Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Canadian Christianity

2026-10-30T02:38:14Z

Cool6dad: /* Other Churches in Canada */

[[File:Loc of Canada.png|thumbnail|300px|right|Map of Canada]]
[[Christianity]] is the dominant [[religion]] in the [[Canada]], with 68% identify as Christian in 2014. <ref>"[ https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/religious-composition-of-canada.html Major Religions Of Canada]". World Atlas .</ref> . The Christian faith teaches Jesus is God and the only son of God the father.

== Protestantism ==

''See also:'' [[Protestantism]], [[Evangelical Christians]], [[Pentecostalism]], [[Baptist]] , [[Methodism]] , [[Lutheranism]], [[Anabaptist]], [[The_Salvation_Army |The Salvation Army]], [[Anglicanism]]<ref>https://moonbattery.com/anglican-church-of-canada-blesses-euthanasia/</ref>, [[Continuing_Anglican |Continuing Anglican(conservative)]]

Protestants make up 29% of Christians in Canada <ref>"[ https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/religious-composition-of-canada.html Major Religions Of Canada]". World Atlas .</ref>

== Roman Catholicism ==
Roman Catholics made up about 39% of Canadians <ref>"[ https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/religious-composition-of-canada.html Major Religions Of Canada]". World Atlas .</ref> See also [[Roman_Catholic_Church | Roman Catholic Church]] 
There are currently 41 [[Diocese | dioceses]] and 18 [[Archdiocese | Archdioceses]] of the [[Catholic Church | Roman_Catholic_Church]] in Canada, Plus 12 [[Diocese | eparchies]] and 2 [[Archdiocese | exarchates]] of the [[Eastern Catholic Churches]]

== Eastern Orthodox, Asian and African Orthodox Christianity ==
*The [[Eastern Orthodox]] Churches have dioceses in Canada. They are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals. Most of its churches are Autocephalous(self governing).<ref>”[ https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/orthodox-church ]. Orthodox Church “ Canadian Encyclopedia </ref> ''See also:'' [[Orthodox Church in America]], [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada]], [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America]].
*[[Oriental_Orthodox_Churches | Oriental Orthodox]] adherents Churches founded by St.Thomas the Apostle and [[St. Mark]] the evangelist now have Dioceses in the Canada ''See also:''[[Indian_Orthodox_Church | (Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]] ,[[Ethiopian_Orthodox_Tewahedo_Church | Ethiopian Orthodox Church]], and [[Coptic_Church]]

==Other Churches in Canada==
*[[Polish National Catholic Church]]
*[[Society of St. Pius X|SSPX traditionalist Catholicism Latin mass]]
*[[Independent_Catholic_churches|Independent Catholic]]
*[[Seventh-day_Adventist_Church | Seventh day Adventist]]
*[[Messianic_Judaism |Jews for Jesus (Messianic Judaism)]]
*[[Armenian Apostolic Church]]

==French Atlantic Ocean Islands Christianity==
Christianity in [[St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands]] off the coast of Newfoundland is 96.46% are [[Roman Catholic Church | Catholic]] and 0.17% are [[Protestant]]<ref>https://www.zionchristianministry.com/international/north-america/canada/st-pierre-and-miquelon/</ref>.

== See also ==
*[[American_Christianity | American Christianity]]
*[[Mexican and Caribbean Christianity]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Internet evangelism]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Antarctica]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America | Christianity in North America, Caribbean]]
*[[Christianity in South America | Christianity in South America, Central America]]
*[[Afterlife]]
*[[Answers in Genesis]]
*[[Turning Point USA | Turning Point]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
[[Category:Christianity by Country]]
[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Christian Organizations]]

Armenian Apostolic Church

2026-10-30T02:36:02Z

Cool6dad: /* See also */

[[File:Էջմիածնի Մայր Տաճար.jpg||thumb|350px|Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church]]
The '''Armenian Apostolic Church''' is one of the oldest [[Christian church]]es, it has a number of features in dogma and ritual that distinguish it from both [[Orthodox Church|Byzantine Orthodoxy]] and [[Roman Catholicism]].<ref>{{cite book |title = The Antiquities of the Christian Church |page = 466 |first1 = Johann Christian Wilhelm |last1 = Augusti |first2 = Georg Friedrich Heinrich |last2 = Rheinwald |first3 = Carl Christian Friedrich |last3 = Siegel }}</ref> The Armenian Apostolic Church belongs to the group of Ancient Eastern Orthodox churches (pre-Chalcedonian). The service uses the Armenian rite. The first preachers of Christianity in Armenia and the founders of the Church of Armenia are considered the apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus. Zakariya was recognized as the first bishop in Armenia, appointed directly by the apostles. Armenia is the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. According to church tradition, the baptism of Armenia took place in 301.

Historically, the church has played an important role in the history of [[Armenia]] and the [[Armenians|Armenian people]] and has at times assumed the responsibilities of political and spiritual leadership. Traditionally, both in Armenia and abroad, the Armenians considered the Catholicos of Echmiadzin not only the head of the church, but also their elected representative. Currently, there are 2 administratively independent Catholicosates: the Catholicosate of All Armenians, with the center in Echmiadzin, and the Cilician Catholicosat, with the center in the Lebanese city of Antilias.<ref>{{cite book |publisher = Basic Books |isbn = 978-0-465-09473-8 |last = Scott |first = Michael |title = Ancient Worlds: A Global History of Antiquity |date = 2016-11-01 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first = René |last=Grousset |title = Histoire de l'Arménie |language = fr |publisher=Payot |orig-year=1947 |year=1984 |page = 122 }}</ref>

The Armenian Apostolic Church has two autonomous patriarchates: [[Constantinople]] and [[Jerusalem]], the heads of which have the spiritual degree of archbishops and are subordinate to the Catholicos of all Armenians.

The highest spiritual level of the Armenian Church is the Catholicos of All Armenians. The hierarchy of the Armenian Church includes the following ranks: Catholicos, Bishop, Priest, Sarkavag and Dpir.

== Historical Chairs of Armenian Catholicoses ==
Echmiadzin has been the residence of the Catholicos of Armenia since the baptism of Armenia and the founding of the Armenian Church at the beginning of the 4th century. In subsequent centuries, due to the loss of political independence in these territories, the residence of the Catholicos was repeatedly transferred to the centers where the Armenian statehood was preserved. For almost three centuries, starting from the middle of the 11th century, the center of the Armenian Church was located on the territory of Cilician Armenia, until the Catholicos finally returned to Echmiadzin in 1441.

* Since 68 - Ashtishat (apostolic see)
* Since 301 - [[Vagharshapat]] (Echmiadzin)
* Since 484 - Dvin
* Since 927 - Akhtamar (island on Lake Van)
* Since 992 - Ani, the capital of the Ani Kingdom
* Since 1057 - Tavlbur in Lesser Armenia
* Since 1147 - Romkla (Rum-Kale) in Cilicia
* Since 1293 - Sis in Cilicia
* Since 1441 - [[Vagharshapat]] (Echmiadzin)

== History of dioceses and abolished cathedrals ==
* Catholicosate Aghvank (Caucasian Albanian)
* Catholicosate Akhtamar (1113-1895)
* Astrakhan diocese
* New Nakhichevan and Bessarabian Diocese
* New Nakhichevan Diocese
* Baku and Turkestan diocese
* North Caucasian and Astrakhan diocese (with the center in Armavir)
* Moscow pastorship
==North American Dioceses==
*[https://armenianchurch.us/ Eastern Diocese USA]
*[https://www.wdacna.com/ Western Diocese USA]
*[https://armenianchurch.ca/ Canada Diocese]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== See also ==
* [[Orthodox Church]]
*[[Christianity]]
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Biblical Canon]]
*[[Ethiopian_Orthodox_Tewahedo_Church | Ethiopian Orthodox church]]
*[[Coptic_Church]]
*[[Global Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America | Christianity in North America, Caribbean]]
*[[Christianity in South America | Christianity in South America, Central America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
</div>
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Armenia]]

Armenian Apostolic Church

2026-10-30T02:32:11Z

Cool6dad: /* History of dioceses and abolished cathedrals */

[[File:Էջմիածնի Մայր Տաճար.jpg||thumb|350px|Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church]]
The '''Armenian Apostolic Church''' is one of the oldest [[Christian church]]es, it has a number of features in dogma and ritual that distinguish it from both [[Orthodox Church|Byzantine Orthodoxy]] and [[Roman Catholicism]].<ref>{{cite book |title = The Antiquities of the Christian Church |page = 466 |first1 = Johann Christian Wilhelm |last1 = Augusti |first2 = Georg Friedrich Heinrich |last2 = Rheinwald |first3 = Carl Christian Friedrich |last3 = Siegel }}</ref> The Armenian Apostolic Church belongs to the group of Ancient Eastern Orthodox churches (pre-Chalcedonian). The service uses the Armenian rite. The first preachers of Christianity in Armenia and the founders of the Church of Armenia are considered the apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus. Zakariya was recognized as the first bishop in Armenia, appointed directly by the apostles. Armenia is the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. According to church tradition, the baptism of Armenia took place in 301.

Historically, the church has played an important role in the history of [[Armenia]] and the [[Armenians|Armenian people]] and has at times assumed the responsibilities of political and spiritual leadership. Traditionally, both in Armenia and abroad, the Armenians considered the Catholicos of Echmiadzin not only the head of the church, but also their elected representative. Currently, there are 2 administratively independent Catholicosates: the Catholicosate of All Armenians, with the center in Echmiadzin, and the Cilician Catholicosat, with the center in the Lebanese city of Antilias.<ref>{{cite book |publisher = Basic Books |isbn = 978-0-465-09473-8 |last = Scott |first = Michael |title = Ancient Worlds: A Global History of Antiquity |date = 2016-11-01 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first = René |last=Grousset |title = Histoire de l'Arménie |language = fr |publisher=Payot |orig-year=1947 |year=1984 |page = 122 }}</ref>

The Armenian Apostolic Church has two autonomous patriarchates: [[Constantinople]] and [[Jerusalem]], the heads of which have the spiritual degree of archbishops and are subordinate to the Catholicos of all Armenians.

The highest spiritual level of the Armenian Church is the Catholicos of All Armenians. The hierarchy of the Armenian Church includes the following ranks: Catholicos, Bishop, Priest, Sarkavag and Dpir.

== Historical Chairs of Armenian Catholicoses ==
Echmiadzin has been the residence of the Catholicos of Armenia since the baptism of Armenia and the founding of the Armenian Church at the beginning of the 4th century. In subsequent centuries, due to the loss of political independence in these territories, the residence of the Catholicos was repeatedly transferred to the centers where the Armenian statehood was preserved. For almost three centuries, starting from the middle of the 11th century, the center of the Armenian Church was located on the territory of Cilician Armenia, until the Catholicos finally returned to Echmiadzin in 1441.

* Since 68 - Ashtishat (apostolic see)
* Since 301 - [[Vagharshapat]] (Echmiadzin)
* Since 484 - Dvin
* Since 927 - Akhtamar (island on Lake Van)
* Since 992 - Ani, the capital of the Ani Kingdom
* Since 1057 - Tavlbur in Lesser Armenia
* Since 1147 - Romkla (Rum-Kale) in Cilicia
* Since 1293 - Sis in Cilicia
* Since 1441 - [[Vagharshapat]] (Echmiadzin)

== History of dioceses and abolished cathedrals ==
* Catholicosate Aghvank (Caucasian Albanian)
* Catholicosate Akhtamar (1113-1895)
* Astrakhan diocese
* New Nakhichevan and Bessarabian Diocese
* New Nakhichevan Diocese
* Baku and Turkestan diocese
* North Caucasian and Astrakhan diocese (with the center in Armavir)
* Moscow pastorship
==North American Dioceses==
*[https://armenianchurch.us/ Eastern Diocese USA]
*[https://www.wdacna.com/ Western Diocese USA]
*[https://armenianchurch.ca/ Canada Diocese]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== See also ==
* [[Orthodox Church]]

[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Armenia]]

Great Schism

2026-10-30T02:08:46Z

Cool6dad: /* No Schism with Indian Church */

The phrase '''The Great [[Schism]]''' is used to mean two different things Catholic and Orthodox Churches Schism & First Western Schism:
==Catholic and Orthodox Churches Great Schism==
The [[East-West Schism]] of 1054 was the separation of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] and Western ("[[Roman Catholic]]") branches of the Christian Church. Which basically created two churches. The "First Among Equals" title was lost by the Roman Pope and given to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople who is the leader of most of the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches since 1054. Publicly the dispute centered on the '''[[Apostles'_Creed |Apostles' Creed]]''' <ref>[https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=220 Apostles' Creed]</ref> which was updated into two versions(Eastern vs Western) of the '''[[ Nicene_Creed | Nicene Creed]]''' <ref>[https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe RC version Nicene Creed]</ref>; the RC Church starting in the 1960s to often use the undisputed Apostles' Creed again. Most Orthodox churches also support the rule that bishops acting together can order a superior bishop/patriarch/pope to retire as form of discipline; this rule was dropped by the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. Over two-thirds of Christians sided with the Pope in 1054. The larger Roman Catholic has had major Schisms since then see Western Schisms below. However, the smaller Orthodox Churches since each one is Autocephalous (autonomous) never a major Schism and are still united under the Ecumenical Patriarch. '''Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, in 1965, lifted the mutual excommunications''' <ref>https://www.goarch.org/-/50th-commemoration-of-the-common-lifting-of-anathemas-between-the-orthodox-and-roman-catholic-churches</ref> that had been imposed during the Great Schism of 1054, marking a significant step towards reconciliation. However, this act did not restore full communion between the [[Roman_Catholic_Church |Catholic]] and [[Orthodox_Church |Orthodox Churches]]. '''In Nov 2025 Pope Leo XIV joined Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I''' met at the site in modern-day Turkey where their predecessors met 17 centuries earlier to affirm and codify the core tenets of the Christian faith<ref>https://www.theblaze.com/news/pope-leo-xiv-eastern-orthodox-patriarch-signal-greater-unity-at-site-where-nicaean-creed-was-adopted-1700-years-ago</ref>.

==Western Schisms==
*The first ''Western Schism'' of (1378-1417) was an argument within the Roman Catholic Church provoked by the French bishops resulting in French cardinals electing an "[[antipope]]" (Clement VII of Avignon, France) in order to dispute the authority of the recently elected Pope Urban VI, even though he had been lawfully elected by the majority of the [[cardinal]]s in the electoral conclave.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Urban-VI Urban VI: Pope (britannica.com)]</ref> In 1409, a third antipope (John XXIII) existed in Pisa, Italy.<ref>Catholic Encyclopedia 1913, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13539a.htm</ref> 
*The three Popes and other controversies set the stage for the [[Protestant Reformation]] started by [[Martin Luther]] over selling [[indulgences]], in 1517. It also was one of the reasons used for [[Henry VIII | King Henry VIII]] in 1536 having Parliament name him head of the Church in England replacing the Pope a title still held by British kings see [[Anglicanism]]. 
*In 1870, the '''[[Old Catholic Church]]''' originated over a dispute with the [[First Vatican Council]]<ref>[http://www.archive.org/stream/oppositioninfall00sparuoft/oppositioninfall00sparuoft_djvu.txt Full text of '''Roman Catholic Opposition to Papal Infallibility''' (archive.org)] ''The page display format is a typewritten text''.</ref>, and created '''Union of Utrecht'''.
*In 1970, the '''[[Society of St. Pius X]]''' spilt over a dispute with the [[Second Vatican Council]] <ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>, over ending Latin mass and other issues.
*In 2003, the Old Catholic '''[https://www.utrechter-union.org/en/welcome/ Union of Utrecht]'''<ref>https://www.utrechter-union.org/en/welcome/</ref> which has been moving in an increasingly liberal direction was split in two with the larger half of [[Independent_Catholic_churches | Traditional Old Catholic Churches]] forming the the '''[https://theunionofscranton.org/ Union of Scranton]'''<ref>https://theunionofscranton.org/</ref>.

See [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2013%3A1-5&version=NIV Romans 13:1-5], [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2013%3A17&version=NIV Hebrews 13:17] and [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012%3A17&version=NIV Mark 12:17]

==Protestant Schisms==
In the early 21st century, allowing Gay pastors, and Blessing Gay marriages has caused several Protestant Schisms in the [[Anglicanism]], [[Lutheranism]], [[Methodism]], and [[Presbyterian]] denominations.
*The majority of Lutheran members and some churches in North American left the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] and have joined the traditional [[North American Lutheran Church]] that was created in 2010<ref>https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2023/11/20/these-churches-have-split-over-lgbtq-issues-as-hundreds-more-united-methodist-congregations-leave-the-denomination/</ref><ref>https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2023/11/20/these-churches-have-split-over-lgbtq-issues-as-hundreds-more-united-methodist-congregations-leave-the-denomination/</ref>.
*The vast majority of Methodist churches and members in North American left the [[United Methodist Church]] and joined the traditional [[Global Methodist Church]] that was created in 2022<ref>https://cbn.com/news/us/three-years-after-united-methodist-split-churches-find-renewed-sense-purpose</ref><ref>https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/04/16/united-methodist-church-splintering-costing-millions/73334300007/</ref>.Continuing Anglican
*The [[Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)]] has been declining with members joining the more traditional [[Presbyterian Church in America]] and the [[Orthodox Presbyterian Church]], and other faiths<ref>https://ministrywatch.com/decades-old-disputes-over-lgbtq-clergy-reaches-turning-point-for-pcusa/</ref><ref>https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/4/5/what-next-for-us-mainline-presbyterians</ref>.
*[[Anglicanism]] has been dividing into liberal [[Anglican Communion]], and traditional [[Continuing Anglican]], since the 1970s<ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/news-analysis/explained-has-gafcon-just-split-from-the-anglican-communion/20292.article</ref><ref>https://theconversation.com/the-anglican-communion-has-deep-differences-over-homosexuality-but-a-process-of-dialogue-known-as-via-media-has-helped-hold-contradictory-beliefs-together-224834</ref><ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/anglican-conservative-bloc-calls-boycott-canterbury-leadership-2026-03-06/</ref><ref>https://moonbattery.com/anglican-church-of-canada-blesses-euthanasia/</ref>.
*Some [[Orthodox_Church#The_Present_Situation_in_North_America | Orthodox Churches]], [[Polish National Catholic Church | Union of Scranton Churches]] and [[Roman Catholic Church |Catholic churches]] are gaining members as a result of the Protestant schisms.

==Chalcedonian Schism==
In 451 AD the Tewahedo [[Coptic Church]]<ref>https://tewahedo.dk/litt/Shenouda-III/Nature-of-Christ.pdf</ref> was formed when the Council of Chalcedon created a dispute over the nature of Christ the Coptics' believe in [[Monophysite|Monophysitism]]. The Catholic Christian Church(as the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches were known prior to 1054AD) believe in the divino-human, humano-divine nature of Christ<ref>https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/Monothelitism-and-Monothelites</ref>. The Council declared the Coptics' heretics and appointed another patriarch of Alexandria. The Coptic patriarch of Alexandria then became know as the Coptic Pope and patriarch of Alexandria, head of the Coptic/Ethiopian churches. There are two patriarchs of Alexandria to this day after 1054AD the Council's [[patriarch]] is [[Eastern Orthodox]] . '''See also''' [[Council_of_Chalcedon | Council of Chalcedon]] and [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox Church Bible Canon]] .

==No Schism with these churches==
===India Church===
The [[Indian Orthodox Church| Malankara Orthodox Church]] in India, NEVER has had a Schism with any of the other churches it was just separated by distance, so was always run as an [[Autocephalous]] church under the Catholicos of the Apostolic throne of St. Thomas. For most of the last 2000 years it took about a year to reach Europe from India. Only in the 20th century did travel times shorten.
===Armenian Church===
The [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] NEVER has had a Schism with any of the other churches. It has just always been run as an [[Autocephalous]] church under the Catholicos of All Armenians

==See Also==
*[[Christianity]]
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Biblical Canon]]
*[[Ethiopian_Orthodox_Tewahedo_Church | Ethiopian Orthodox church]]
*[[Coptic_Church]]
*[[Global Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America | Christianity in North America, Caribbean]]
*[[Christianity in South America | Christianity in South America, Central America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
</div>

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Christian History]]
[[Category:European History]]

Society of St. Pius X

2026-10-24T20:59:05Z

Cool6dad: /* The Society of St. Pius X Church in the 21st Century */

[[File:Héraldique meuble Coeur vendéen.svg|thumbnail|250px]]
__FORCETOC__The '''Society of St. Pius X''' <ref>https://sspx.org/en</ref> is an international society made up of traditional [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] clergy. Founded with canonical approval in 1970<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> by the late [[Archbishop]] [[Marcel Lefebvre]], it is the largest [[Traditionalist Catholicism|Traditional Catholic]] organization in operation and currently administers the [[Sacraments]] (including the [[Traditional Latin Mass]]) in over 27 countries. There is much dispute regarding accusations of [[schism]] due to Archbishop Lefebvre's decision to consecrate 4 Bishops in 1988, disregarding the command of [[Pope John Paul II]].

==Creation and Beginnings==

The Society of St. Pius X <ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/organization</ref> originated as a reaction to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council within the Catholic Church. '''They reject [[Second Vatican Council]]'s encouragement of dialogue and cooperation with other Christian denominations and the current mass no longer being in Latin instead being in native languages.''' In 1968, a group of French seminarians grew concerned with the orthodoxy of their priestly training due to the [[New Left]] ideology which had infiltrated their seminaries.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> As a result, they sought out the recently retired Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, with the request that he adopt the task of overseeing their priestly formation. Originally reluctant to get involved, Archbishop Lefebvre was persuaded to relent, and later said that it would have been an abandonment of Church Tradition if he had ignored them. Thus, International Priestly Society of St. Pius X was unofficially created.

In 1970, the Bishop of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg, His Excellency Bishop Charriere, officially recognized the canonical validity of the new Society.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> At the same time, a group of Swiss laymen offered their property in Econe to the Archbishop as a seminary for future priests.

The canonical status was confirmed on February 18, 1971, by the prefect for the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal,<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> who praised the society's statutes and recognized it as an international Catholic society with the power to incardinate its clergy. Thus, the Society became legally recognized as a legitimate Catholic society, unable to be suppressed without a genuine reason or following strict canonical procedures.

==Strained Relations with Rome==

On June 10, 1971, Archbishop Lefebvre formally announces that he will not accept nor celebrate Pope Paul VI's Novus Ordo Mass, accusing it of being Protestant, based on the fact that six Protestant ministers collaborated in its creation,<ref>http://www.olrl.org/new_mass/evils.shtml</ref> and the fabrication of known Freemason Archbishop Annibal <ref>Bugnini.http://www.tanbooks.com/doct/vatican_liturgy.htm</ref> Archbishop Lefebvre would continue to voice these sentiments in denouncing the Novus Ordo Mass throughout the remainder of his life, often accusing it of being a 'bastard rite'.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914596-1,00.html</ref>
In response to Lefebvre's traditional Catholic stance, the French Episcopal Council denounced Econe as 'the wildcat seminary'.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_1.htm</ref>

In November 1974, two apostolic visitors from Rome arrive at Econe. Whilst speaking to the seminarians and teaching staff, they scandalise the faithful by giving support to contraception and ordination of married men. In response to this, Archbishop Lefebvre pens his Declaration, condemning Rome as 'neo-Modernist' and 'neo-Protestant', and pledging his allegiance to the traditional Catholic faith, regardless of what innovations Rome may espouse.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_I._declaration.htm</ref>

==Econe Consecrations==

His health failing, and fearing that his death may mark the end of the traditional Sacraments, Archbishop Lefebvre declared on February 2, 1988, that he intended to consecrate three Bishops, in order to keep the Sacraments of Confirmation and Ordination available to all Catholics. On hearing this news, Rome took the step of renewing negations with the Society and an agreement is reached on the May 5th, allowing the Society to become an approved Society of Apostolic Life and agreeing that one Society priest would be consecrated a Bishop at a time stated by Pope John Paul II. However, the Archbishop realised that no time limit was placed on Rome's assurances and, fearing that the agreement was a ploy to distract him until his death, announced that he would proceed with the Episcopal Consecrations on June 30, 1988.

On June 29, Rome made a last attempt to persuade the Archbishop not to continue with his intentions. A driver is sent to Econe and a promise is made that, if he returns to Rome with the driver, the Pope will personally speak to him and attempt to find another solution. The Archbishop refused.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On June 30, 1988, Archbishop Lefebre, alongside Brazilian Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer, consecrated four Bishops in the traditional rite of Consecration. The four priests consecrated were: Father Bernard Fellay, Father Richard Williamson, Father Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, and Father Alfonso de Galarreta. Before consecrating the men, Archbishop Lefebvre made it clear that he was not breaking with Rome, nor was he renouncing the Papacy of John Paul II. But he insisted that the Catholic Faith was not being voiced by Rome and, as a Bishop, he had a duty to preserve the Faith, whatever the cost. .<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On the 2nd July 1988, Pope John Paul II issued his Apostolic Letter 'Ecclesia Dei' in which he condemned the consecrations as 'unlawful', an act of 'disobedience' and, therefore, a 'schismatic act'.<ref>http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/motu_proprio/documents/hf_jp-ii_motu-proprio_02071988_ecclesia-dei_en.html</ref> As a result, the Pope claimed that the Archbishop and four new Bishops had automatically incurred the penalty of excommunication. However, the Pope did not formally excommunicate the five men, nor was he speaking ex cathedra but only as a private theologian. In either case according to the St Augustinian theory a bishop retains his power to ordain Priests and consecrate other bishops, even if excommunicated by the[[Roman Catholic Church]] so its bishops and priests are valid.
==== Society of St. Pius V ====
In 1983 the [https://stpiusvchapel.org/ Society of St. Pius V] A small group broke off from the Society of St. Pius X in the USA. Both now exist in the USA.<ref>https://sspv.org/index.php</ref>
===Continuing Disputes===
Pope Francis further restricts the saying of Mass in Latin which confirms SSPX as a separate church.<ref>https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-13fb8d27e538fc0aafec26a5087d387e</ref> Certain separate churches like this one are recognized to have valid but illicit bishops<ref>https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/22738/vatican-explains-teaching-on-illicit-ordinations</ref> and priests. However illicit bishops and priests can still perform valid sacraments <ref>https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/59640/which-sacraments-can-be-administered-validly-but-illicitly</ref> The bishops from the 1988 Society of St. Pius X Econe Consecrations 2 had passed away and others had grown very old, so '''on July 1, 2026''' in Econe SSPX ordained 4 more bishops.<ref>https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/defying-pope-and-facing-excommunication-sspx-consecrates-bishops-huge-outdoor</ref><ref>https://nuntiatoria.org/2026/02/02/the-sspx-and-the-question-of-new-bishops-2/</ref> '''In 2026 Pope Leo XIV has excommunicated these bishops Priests and SSPX Church members which makes SSPX a separate church.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/02/vatican-excommunicates-all-members-of-ultra-conservative-rebels-sspx</ref><ref>https://fsspx.news/en/news/letter-holy-father-regarding-decree-dicastery-doctrine-faith-59956</ref>''' However, these Bishops and Priests are still covered under [[Apostolic succession#St Augustinian Theory|Apostolic Succession]], so can perform valid Sacraments.

==The Society of St. Pius X Church in the 21st Century==
The Society of St. Pius X Church is governed by the [[Superior Religious order|Superior General]], who resides with his assistants, the Secretary General and the General Bursar, in the General House situated in Menzingen, Switzerland.<ref>https://fsspx.org/en</ref> SSPX is Organized into 14 districts worldwide similar to dioceses, each of which is entrusted to a local superior. Auxiliary bishops assist the districts. The USA is under one district a list of its churches can be found via this link.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/list-sspx-chapels</ref>

The Society has Priestly Seminaries in Ecône [[Switzerland]]. [[France]], [[Buenos Aires]] ([[Argentina]]) and other places.

==== Society of Saint Josaphat ====
The [[Traditional Catholic|Catholic Traditionalist]] of [[Roman Catholic Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)|Byzantine Rite]] assosiation, Priestly Society of Saint Josaphat (SSJK) which is associated with the Traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), its based on [[Lviv]], [[Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/es/news/ucrania-ordenaciones-para-la-fraternidad-san-josafat-19217|title=Ucrania: ordenaciones para la Fraternidad San Josafat|publisher=SSPX|language=es|date=5 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://infovaticana.com/2021/10/26/los-lefebvrianos-presumen-del-gran-numero-de-vocaciones-que-han-tenido-en-2021/|title=Los lefebvrianos presumen del gran número de vocaciones que han tenido en 2021|publisher=Info Vaticana|date=26 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sspx.au/en/news/interview-priest-society-saint-josaphat-war-ukraine-28055|title=An Interview with a Priest of the Society of Saint Josaphat on the War in Ukraine|date=17 July 2022|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/it/node/23067|title=Bishop de Galarreta Ordains Two Priests in Ukraine|date=6 December 2019|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Traditional Latin Mass]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Independent Catholic churches]]
*[[Biblical Canon]]

*[[Global Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
*[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox church]]
*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

==External links==
*[https://sspx.org/en Society of St. Pius X]
==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Catholic Church]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Gregorian Calendar

2026-10-24T19:57:11Z

Cool6dad:

The '''Gregorian Calendar''', named after [[Pope]] [[Pope Gregory XIII|Gregory XIII]], was created in 1582 to correct errors in the [[Julian Calendar]] that became apparent over time. The [[Julian Calendar]] was actually 10 days ahead of where it should have been, respect to the [[Equinox | equinoxes]] so the Spring season was starting in April. This discrepancy was corrected with the new Gregorian Calendar, which is the most widely used in the world today. It consists of 365 days in each year, with a 366-day [[leap year]] every fourth year. The calendar is broken down into 12 [[months]]. Unlike its predecessor, the Gregorian Calendar does not count the last year of each [[century]] (years that end in '00') as a leap year unless the number of the year is divisible by 400.

[[Category:Dating Systems]]

Primate (church)

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Cool6dad:

A '''primate''' is a senior [[archbishop]] in the [[Anglican Communion|Anglican Church]], or head of an [[Autocephalous]] [[Orthodox Church]]. A '''Major [[archbishop | Archbishop]]''' in [[Roman Catholic Church]] who heads a [[Roman_Catholic_Church#Catholic_Church_Rites-branches | Rite]]. The term is also used for the bishop who heads any denomination which is in [[Apostolic succession]]. In some churches the word is used descriptively; in others it is the bishop's actual title.

[[Category:Religious Terms]]

Primate (church)

2026-09-29T12:30:35Z

Cool6dad:

A '''primate''' is a senior [[archbishop]] in the [[Anglican Communion|Anglican Church]], or head of an [[Autocephalous]] [[Orthodox Church]]. A '''Major [[archbishop | Archbishop]]''' in [[Roman Catholic Church]] who heads a [[Roman_Catholic_Church#Catholic_Church_Rites-branches | Rite]]The term is also used for the bishop who heads any denomination which is in [[Apostolic succession]]. In some churches the word is used descriptively; in others it is the bishop's actual title.

[[Category:Religious Terms]]

Roman Catholic Church

2026-09-28T23:06:24Z

Cool6dad: /* Organization */

[[File:Vaticano.gif|150px|right]]
{{Christianity}}
The '''Catholic Church''', '''Catholicism''' or the '''Roman Apostolic Catholic Church''' is the largest [[denomination]] of [[Christianity]]. [[Pro-life]], it is headquartered in the [[Vatican City]] in [[Rome]], and claims [[Apostolic succession]].<ref>At times throughout history some Church officials have asserted that is "No [[Salvation]] Outside the Church." {{cite web|url=https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/what-no-salvation-outside-the-church-means|title=What “No Salvation Outside the Church” Means|publisher=Catholic Answers|date=May 1, 2010|author=Jim Blackburn|quote=One of the most misunderstood teachings of the Catholic Church is this one: "Outside the Church there is no salvation" (Extra ecclesiam nulla salus).
Those trying to grasp the meaning of this teaching often struggle with its formulations by various Church Fathers and Church Councils throughout history. Of course, to understand an isolated formulation of any Church teaching, one must study the historical context within which it was written: why it was written, what was going on in the Church at the time, who the intended audience was, and so on. One must discover how the magisterium (teaching office) of the Church understands its own teaching. If someone fails to do this and chooses, rather, to simply treat a particular formulation as a stand-alone teaching, he runs the risk of seriously misunderstanding it.}}{{cite web|url=https://mundabor.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/archbishop-lefebvre-on-extra-ecclesiam-nulla-salus/|title=Archbishop Lefebvre on “Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus”|date=April 15, 2012|author=Mundabor|quote=The Church is the one ark of salvation, and we must not be afraid to affirm it. You have often heard it said, “Outside the Church there is no salvation” – a dictum which offends contemporary minds. It is easy to believe that this doctrine is no longer in effect, that it has been dropped. It seems excessively severe.

Yet nothing, in fact, has changed; nothing can be changed in this area. Our Lord did not found a number of churches: He founded only One. There is only one Cross by which we can be saved, and that Cross has been given to the Catholic Church. It has not been given to others. To His Church, His mystical bride, Christ has given all graces. No grace in the world, no grace in the history of humanity is distributed except through her.(...) Does that mean that no [[Protestant]], no [[Islam|Muslim]], no Buddhist or animist will be saved? No, it would be a second error to think that. Those who cry for intolerance in interpreting St. Cyprian’s formula, “Outside the Church there is no salvation,” also reject the Creed, “I confess one baptism for the remission of sins,” and are insufficiently instructed as to what baptism is. There are three ways of receiving it: the baptism of water; the baptism of blood (that of the martyrs who confessed the faith while still catechumens) and baptism of desire...}}</ref><ref name=DoctorsOfTheChurch/> The Catholic Church teaches the Messiahship and Divinity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and professes worship of the God of [[Abraham]], of the Hebrew Scriptures. The Catholic Church has a single leader or head, the [[Pope]], the [[Bishop]] of [[Rome]]. The current Pope is [[Leo XIV]]. Present day governance of the Church is divided hierarchically into dioceses, each overseen by a diocesan bishop, who in turn oversees diocesan priests and deacons on the level of the individual parish.
==Roman Apostolic Catholic Church==
The word "catholic" means "universal", in contrast with several other major religions. Its use as a name for the Church comes from Nicene-Constantinople Creed of 381, which defines the church as "one, holy, catholic and apostolic." In the [[Christology|Christological]] controversy of the fourth century, [[Catholic | Catholics]] opposed the heresy of [[Arianism]].

The Catholic Church has always been [[pro-life]] and its leadership is mostly [[conservative]], as illustrated by how it "launched a crackdown on the umbrella group that represents most of [[America]]'s 55,000 [[Catholic]] nuns" for "a prevalence of certain radical [[feminist]] themes incompatible with the Catholic [[faith]]." The Church noted that "the group was not speaking out strongly enough against" [[abortion]].<ref>https://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2012-04-18/american-nuns-vatican/54396560/1?csp=hf</ref>

Members believe that theirs is the oldest [[Christian]] denomination in the world. It is certainly the largest, with more than 1.3 billion officially baptized adherents, or 17.4% of the world's population; over 64 million of these are in the [[United States]]. In recent years growth has been greatest in Africa and Latin America, while membership and influence have declined in Europe.

The Roman Apostolic Catholic Church asserts that the Pope is the divinely-chosen successor of [[St. Peter]], believing him to be the 'rock' ([[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 16:18) upon whom Jesus built his Church. The Catholic Church consists of those Christians who are in full communion with the Pope. This includes members both of the Latin Church and of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches. The Eastern Catholic Churches were once known as the "Uniate" Churches; though once used with pride at remaining in union with Rome after the [[Great Schism|East-West Schism]], this term has fallen out of use due to derogatory connotations that have come to be associated with it over the centuries.

The Catholic [[gentile]] church has suffered several schisms over its history. Most notable are those involving the Church of the East following the First Ephesian Council, the [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] following the [[Council of Chalcedon]], the [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox Church]] following the [[Great Schism]] of 1054, and the several [[Reformation]]s of the 16th century leading to the development of [[Protestantism]].

The Protestants made the most radical break. Two of the principal issues raised by Protestants were
''[[sola scriptura]],'' the doctrine that the Bible alone is the final authority for Christians (which is also a denial of the infallibility of Sacred Tradition, the Pope, and the infallibility of ecumenical Church councils as being preserved and guided by [[Holy Spirit|God the Holy Spirit]] in ignorance of Colossians 2:8) and ''sola fide,'' the doctrine popularized by [[Martin Luther]] that faith alone, as opposed to the need for both faith and good works together, is sufficient for salvation (as is written in Ephesians 2:8-9).

[[Image:Cathpop.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Catholics in the world.]]

==Organization==
[[File:St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.jpg|thumbnail|400px|[[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Rome]].]]
The Pope and the international leadership of the Church are based in [[Vatican City]], a sovereign elective monarchy and an enclave of [[Rome]] established by the 1929 Lateran Treaty.

The Catholic Church has a complex hierarchy of clergy, including (in descending order of rank):
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*1 The [[Pope]]
*2 [[Cardinal]]s
*3 [[Primate (church)| Major Archbishops]]
*4 [[Archbishop]]s
*5 [[Bishop]]s
*6 [[Abbot]]s
*6 [[Monsignor]]s
*7 [[Archpriest]]s
*7 [[Archpriest | Deans]]
*8 [[Priest]]s
*9 [[Deacon]]s
</div>
The key roles are played by the Pope and the bishops, and the question of whether secular governments should play a major role in ecclesiastical appointments has been a major issue for centuries. The Investiture Controversy in the [[Holy Roman Empire]] was over this question, as was the dispute between [[Gallicanism]] and [[ultramontanism]] in France.

== Catholic Church Rites-branches==
[[File:Notre-Dame de Paris, 4 October 2017.jpg|thumbnail|right|400px|[[Notre Dame de Paris]] ]]
The Catholic Church has many Rites (branches) <ref> https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56009/the-rites-of-the-catholic-church</ref> <ref> https://www.catholic365.com/article/6085/intro-to-the-eastern-catholic-churches-part-vi-the-byzantine-rite-and-its-history.html</ref> The Latin Rite is directly under the Pope. The other rites recognize the Pope as their shepherd but are administered by either a Patriarch, a Major Archbishop, a Metropolitan, or have some other arrangement. Patriarchs are elected by a synod of bishops of their Rite, and then request ecclesiastical communion from the Pope. Major Archbishops are also elected by a synod of bishops of their Rite, but then are approved by the Pope before they take office. Metropolitans are picked by the Pope from a list given by a synod of bishops. Latin Rite bishops are appointed by the Pope. The other Rites choose their own bishops and have their own cannon law; '''many rites have married catholic priests'''. These Rites may have their own dioceses in [[Christianity_in_North_America | North America]] and [[Christianity_in_South_America | South America]]. Most people only know of the Latin Rite dioceses. Below is a list of the Rites
*Latin Rite is directly under the Pope and has more than 90 percent of Roman Catholics '''Latin has been rarely used for Mass since the 1960s,''' when the use of native languages began<ref>https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-13fb8d27e538fc0aafec26a5087d387e</ref>. However, [[https://fssp.com/ the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter]] has a historical exemption to say the Latin Mass, as reaffirmed by [[Pope Francis]]<ref>https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256968/pope-francis-meets-fssp-head-confirms-right-to-celebrate-the-traditional-latin-mass</ref>, which shouldn't be confused with the [[Society of St. Pius X | SSPX Church]] which is NOT part of the RC church.
*Armenia Rite in Armenia.
*Maronite Rite in Lebanon.
*Chaldean Rite in Iran and Iraq.
*Syriac Rite based in Syria.
*Malankarese Rite in India.
*Malabar Rite in India.
*Some of the leaders of the Rites below reside in the same nation as the leader of an [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Church]] that became separate churches due to the [[Great Schism]] in 1054. The name Apostolic Catholic Church was first used after 1054. Before 1054 both churches were known as the Catholic Christian Church. Later in nineteenth-century the Church name became Roman Catholic Church. These Rites below are also known as [[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*'''Byzantine Rite''' 2nd largest Rite. The churches using the Byzantine liturgy include the Albanian, Belarussian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Greek, Hungarian, Italo-Albanian, Macedonian, Melkite, Romanian, Russian, Ruthenian, Slovak, and [[Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church|Ukrainian]] (Some of these churches are headed by a Major Archbishop and select their own bishops; others their bishops are selected by the Pope).
*Alexandria Rite in Alexandria Egypt.
*Ge'ez Rite based in Ethiopia.

== Roman Catholic Religious Orders==
RC Church has '''hundreds of Religious Orders in various [[Roman_Catholic_Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)| rites]]''' which operate autonomously from [[Bishops]]. Some Orders are small while other Orders are large even international. Some for women that consist of Sisters or Nuns and Orders for Men that consist of Brothers or Priests. While in the USA all women in Religious Orders are called nuns; actually nuns live in cloisters, like monks; where Sisters work in education, hospitals, and other places.<ref>https://historyofchristianitypodcast.com/2025/09/01/major-roman-catholic-orders-origins-differences-and-their-role-today/</ref>. Followers of an Order report to their Order's superior. The superior obtains permission of a [[Bishop] to have followers work in his [[diocese]] or an [[Archbishop]] to have followers work in his province. The only exception is the Jesuits who report only to the [[Pope]] and can work in any [[Diocese]] or [[Archdiocese]]. Married couples & single laypeople may join and participate in secular Orders, such as the Secular Franciscan Order or the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, which allow them to live out their faith while fulfilling family responsibilities<ref>https://dioceseofgaylord.org/vocations/secular-orders-and-associations</ref>. Religious orders are headed by a [[Superior Religious order | Superior]], [[mother religious order | Mother]], or an [[Abbot]] [https://globalcatholicresourcecenter.com/catholic-religious-orders-2/ A full list of Latin rite Orders is available via this link] '''Some of the major orders are below:'''
*'''[[Roman_Catholic_Church#Catholic_Church_Rites-branches | Latin Rite Orders]]'''
===The Benedictines===
Founded in the 6th century by [[Saint Benedict | St. Benedict of Nursia]] Benedictine abbeys remain centers of prayer, retreat, and education worldwide.

===The Franciscans===
The [[Franciscan]]s began in the early 13th century, founded by [[Saint Francis of Assisi |St. Francis of Assisi]], who emphasized poverty, simplicity, and love for all of creation. [https://www.franciscancentertampa.org/the-franciscan-order/ Franciscan website]
====The First order====
Over time, the order split into several families, including the Observants<ref>https://ofm.org/</ref>, Conventuals<ref>https://www.franciscans.org/</ref>, and Capuchins<ref>https://www.ofmcap.org/en/</ref>; All of them are also known as the '''first branch of the Franciscan Order'''; they consists of brothers and priests. Franciscans are active in missionary work, social justice advocacy, ecological initiatives, and parish ministry. .
====The Poor Clares Second order====
The Poor Clare Nuns constitute the '''second branch of the Franciscan Order''', founded in the 13th century by Saint Clare under the inspiration and guidance of Saint Francis of Assisi<ref>https://cloisteredlife.com/poor-clares</ref>. They are cloistered contemplative nuns.
====Secular Franciscan Third Order====
The Secular Franciscan Order is the '''third branch of the Franciscan Order''' was established by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago. Its purpose is to bring the Gospel to life where we live and where we work. It has married members, single lay people, and priests <ref>https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/</ref>.

===The Carmelites===
The [https://ocarm.org/en/ Carmelites] order has '''partitions for both men(friars), women(nuns) and laypeople'''. Emerging in the 12th century from hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, later reformed by [[Theresa of Avila | St. Teresa of Ávila]] and [[John of the Cross | St. John of the Cross]] in the 16th century. Carmelites serve in parishes, schools, and retreat centers, while cloistered branches remain devoted to contemplative life<ref>https://ocarm.org/en/</ref>. Their spiritual classics remain highly influential.

===The Dominicans===
[https://dominicanfriars.org/ Dominicans] Founded in the early 13th century by St. Dominic de Guzmán in response to the need for educated preachers to counter heresies. Dominicans continue their long tradition in education and theology. They run universities and seminaries worldwide and are deeply involved in preaching, scholarship, and missionary work.

===The Jesuits===
[https://www.jesuits.global/ Jesuits] Founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish soldier turned mystic, during the Catholic Counter-Reformation. The largest male religious order in the Church, Jesuits operate renowned universities, schools, and research institutions. They are also deeply engaged in social justice and interreligious dialogue. Their order reports only to the [[Pope]].

===Little Sisters of the Poor===
[https://littlesistersofthepoor.org/ Little Sisters of the Poor] Founded by Saint Jeanne Jugan in France in 1839. The Little Sisters of the Poor are an international congregation of Roman Catholic women religious serving Christ in the elderly poor in over 30 countries <ref>https://littlesistersofthepoor.org/</ref>.

===Missionaries of Charity===
[https://missionariesofcharity.org/ Missionaries of Charity] Founded in 1950 by by '''[[Mother Teresa]]''' of Calcutta (now St. Teresa of Calcutta) in Calcutta, India. The Missionaries of Charity Sisters (Mother Teresa’s Sisters or the Sisters of Mother Teresa, as many call us) is a religious community in the Catholic Church, their community is totally dedicated to the service of the poorest of the poor, irrespective of social class, creed, color or religion. They choose to show God’s concern for the poorest and the lowliest, remaining right on the ground, while offering immediate and effective service to those in need, until they can find someone who can help them in a better and more lasting way <ref>https://missionariesofcharity.org/</ref>.

===The Salesians of Don Bosco===
[https://www.sdb.org/en Salesians of Don Bosco] Founded in the 19th century by [[John Bosco | St. John Bosco]] in Turin, Italy, to care for poor and abandoned youth during the Industrial Revolution. One of the largest orders in the Church, they run schools, youth centers, and missions worldwide.

===[[Roman_Catholic_Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)| Byzantine Rite]] Basilian Order of Saint Josaphat===
The [ https://osbm.info/en/brief-information-about-the-order/ Ukrainian Basilian Order of St. Josaphat] is an international clerical order of men of Papal right, which belongs to the Byzantine church tradition. It is present in various Churches that possess their own canon law The Order is based on the spiritual heritage of [[Saint Basil | Saint Basil the Great]] (+379), but its organization as a centralized monastic Order is due to Joseph Veliamin Rutsky (+1637) who laid out its first set of Rules, and the holy hieromartyr Josaphat Kuncevych (+1623) who gave clear direction to the foundation of the Order through his spirituality and his apostolic work centered on Christian unity<ref>https://osbm.info/en/</ref>

===[[Roman_Catholic_Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)| Byzantine Rite]] Sisters of the order of St Basil===
The [https://osbm.church/ Ukrainian Sisters of the order of St Basil] lead effective and innovative ministries in education, spiritual direction, evangelization, and lay collaboration. In all that we do, we bring the rich traditions and mysteries of the [[Eastern Catholic Churches]] to those they encounter<ref>https://stbasils.com/about-us/</ref>

===[[Roman_Catholic_Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)| Maronite Rite]] Orders===
[https://www.maronite-heritage.com/Orders.php A list of Maronite orders is available via this link]

==Teachings==
[[Image:JpII.jpg|right|thumb|250px|[[Pope John Paul II]] reigned 1978-2005]]
The chief teachings of the Catholic church are set out in the [[Catechism of the Catholic Church]] in order to foster and promote the Profession of the Faith (first part), the Celebration of the Christian Mystery (second part), the Life in Christ (third part), and Christian Prayer (fourth part). They are:

* God's objective existence.
* God's interest in individual human beings, who can enter into relations with God through direct and intercessory prayer and through the intercession of a priest ordained by Holy Orders.
* The [[Holy Trinity]] and [[christology|divinity of the person of Jesus Christ]].
* The immortality of the [[soul]] of each human being, each one being accountable at death for his or her actions in life, with the award of Heaven or Hell.
* The resurrection of the dead.
* The historicity of the [[Gospels]].
* The divine commission of the Church and infallibility of revealed scriptural interpretation.

[[File:Christ is King.jpg|thumbnail|280px|The Church teaches the doctrine of the [[Social Reign of Jesus Christ]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catholic.net/op/articles/5433/the-doctrine-of-the-social-reign-of-christ-.html#:~:text=The%20principal%20doctrinal%20of%20the,Christ%2C%20Creator%2C%20and%20Savior.|title=The doctrine of the social reign of Christ - A still valid principle|quote=This doctrine belongs to the tradition of the Church and, as such, is also valid today and will always be|author=Stefano Fontana|publisher=Catholic.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_11121925_quas-primas.html|title=QUAS PRIMAS|author=POPE PIUS XI|date=December 11, 1925|publisher=The Catholic Church|location=[[Vatican City]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.isje.org/cano/LuisCanoMedina-SanPIoXyelreinadosocialdeCristo.pdf|publisher=FACULTAD DE TEOLOGIA - PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD DE LA SANTA CRUZ|title=San Pío X y el reinado social de Cristo|author=Luis Cano Medina|location=[[Rome]]|date=2003|language=es}}</ref>]]
The Catholic Church stresses that since the members, living and dead, share in each other's merits, the [[Virgin Mary]] and other saints and the dead in Purgatory are never forgotten,<ref>[http://www.bartleby.com/65/ro/RomanCat.html The Columbia Encyclopedia]</ref> may be addressed in prayer, and intercede with God on the behalf of the living. The very physical and spiritual body and blood of Christ are believed to be present in the Eucharist, [[Transubstantiation|the bread and wine being Jesus himself]], replacing the material of bread and wine. The principal sources for the essential beliefs of the Catholic Church are the Sacred Scriptures (the Bible), Sacred Tradition, and the Living [[Magisterium]] of the Church.

The term "Catholic" is frequently used as an adjective meaning, "pertaining to the Catholic Church." [[Protestantism|Protestant]]s sometimes take exception to this use, as the defined meaning of "catholic" (the adjective) is "universal" (from the Greek ''καθολικός'', or ''katholikos'', meaning "universal"). The [[Anglican Communion]] and other Protestants also speak of themselves as part of the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church."<ref>http://www.answers.com/topic/catholic</ref> The Orthodox Church understands herself to be the one universal Catholic Church and rejects the claims of Rome.

The Catholic Church teaches respect for all human life. It opposes the practices of contraception, abortion,<ref>Paul VI, Humanae Vitae (1968) http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae_en.html</ref> euthanasia and (in most cases) capital punishment.<ref>John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae (1995) http://www.vatican.va/edocs/ENG0141/_INDEX.HTM</ref> The Church is in favor of social justice and "the common good."<ref>Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate (2009) http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20090629_caritas-in-veritate_en.html</ref> Some Catholics take this idea further, espousing a "[[consistent life ethic]]," under which ''all'' killing of humans is said to be unlawful. This position should logically entail [[pacifism]], although the Catholic Church is not opposed to war under all circumstances in the manner of some "peace" churches. (See [[just war]].)

The Catholic Church allows evolutionist research, but not any denial that God was the '''creator''' of all things. The only Evolutionism that Catholics are allowed to believe in is Theistic Evolution.

The Church recognizes Jesus Christ as [[King]] over all aspects of human life, both personal and societal and talks about his [[Social Reign of Jesus Christ|Social Reign]] doctrine.

[[St. Thomas Aquinas]]: "To be subject to the Roman Pontiff is necessary for salvation."

[[St. Augustine]]: "No man can find salvation save in the Catholic Church. Outside the Catholic Church he can find everything except salvation. He can have dignities, he can have the Sacraments, can sing ‘Alleluia’, answer ‘Amen’, accept the Gospels, have faith in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and preach it, too, but never except in the Catholic Church can he find salvation."

[[St. Peter Canisius]]: "Outside of this communion— as outside of the Ark of Noah—there is absolutely no salvation for mortals: not to Jews or Pagans who never received the faith of the Church; not to heretics who, having received it, forsook or corrupted it; not to schismatics who left the peace and unity of the Church; finally, neither to excommunicates who for any other serious cause deserved to be put away and separated from the body of the Church like pernicious members... For the rule of Cyprian and Augustine is certain: he will not have God for his Father who would not have the Church for his Mother."<ref name=DoctorsOfTheChurch>[https://es.scribd.com/doc/34239355/Doctors-of-the-Church-on-Extra-Ecclesiam-Nulla-Salus Doctors of The Church On "Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus"]</ref>

== History ==

===Early Church===
[[File:Christ Giving the Key to St. Peter.jpg|thumbnail|Christ Giving the Key to [[St. Peter]]. (Matthew 16:18-20)]]
The original Christian community was founded by Jesus Christ and led by the Apostles. The Catholic Church considers itself to be the sole and uninterrupted continuation of the first-century Church founded during [[Pentecost]] on the year 33. St. [[Paul|Paul the Apostle]] was the most prolific contributor to the [[New Testament]] and the most notable of the Early Christian missionaries. Christians were subjected to persecution, first under [[Nero]] in A.D. 64 and again, more severely, under the emperors [[Domitian]], [[Marcus Aurelius]], Decius, and [[Diocletian]], in the second and third centuries.

After almost 300 years of persecution against the Church failed to stop the growth of Christianity, the Emperor [[Constantine I]] had a religious experience and, by the [[Edict of Milan]] issued in the early fourth century, legalized Christianity. Going to war with the co-Emperor of the east Lucinius over his continued persecution of Christians, Constantine won and became sole Emperor. The age of persecution was over, until the inquisitions. Some view Catholicism as a pagan "Christianity" started by Constantine, a topic better covered in the essay [[Reasons the Catholic Church is Unbiblical]].
[[Image:Christians.jpg|thumb|450px]]

===Barbarians converted===

Until the early fourth century AD Christianity enjoyed a mixed reception in the Roman Empire, and Christians were frequently subject to persecution. After its legalization, the Christian Church became increasingly powerful in the Roman Empire, although [[Arianism]] remained strong. In 380 AD, [[Theodosius I]] established the Church as the official religion of the Roman Empire and proscribed the former pagan practices. There was a brief [[pagan]] revival in the West under the usurper Eugenius, but that was brought to an end with his death. While the Empire continued to decline, Christianity continued to grow both among those directly under the Empire and among the barbarians, until the time that Rome was sacked by Alaric in 410. Alaric was an Arian Christian.

After the collapse of the Western Empire, the Catholic Church became the most powerful political and religious force in Latin-speaking Europe, and by the 8th century it had achieved near total religious dominance.

Aggressive missionary activities accomplished the conversion of most of the pagan tribes in Europe by the year 1000 AD. The last pagan country in Europe to be converted was [[Lithuania]], in 1387.

=== Great Schism ===

Numerous disputes between the eastern and western churches became more pronounced from the ninth century onwards. The Church experienced the [[Great Schism]] in 1054 that divided it into a Western (Latin) branch, which has been called the Catholic Church, and an Eastern branch, which has become known as the [[Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox Church]]. Both traced their roots to the time of Jesus, but the Eastern Orthodox Church rejected the claims of the Pope to universal jurisdiction.

The Schism's causes were not purely religious. Cultural and geographic elements also played a role. Later attempts at reconciliation occurred, such as at the Council of Basel, but the two churches remain separate to this day.

=== Late Middle Ages ===

The Crusades, a series of religious wars instigated by the Church against the Muslims and other groups in the Holy Land, began in 1092 and continued until the end of the 13th century. Despite the focus on regaining the Holy Land from Muslim control, the Crusaders also massacred Jews and sacked the Christian city of Constantinople.

During this time period, the [[Inquisition]]s started and would continue through the time of the Protestant Reformation and beyond. The medieval inquisition focused on rooting out Cathars, while the later inquisitions, such as the [[Spanish Inquisition]], focused on people who were believed to be secretly practicing [[Judaism]] or [[Islam]] following the [[Alhambra Decree|legally mandated]] conversion to Christianity of all Jews and Muslims remaining in Spain.

===Reformation and Counter-Reformation===

In 1517, [[Martin Luther]] began the [[Protestant Reformation]] with a public protest against the sale of [[indulgences]]. It grew into a movement that covered a wider variety of issues. Eventually, [[Protestantism|Protestants]] rejected the notions of saintly intercession, the authority of the Pope, and any sacraments other than [[Baptism]] and [[Communion]]. This movement eventually led to a Catholic revival (the "Counter-Reformation") and a series of religious wars in [[Europe]]. The Protestant-Catholic split became one of the dominant themes in European and American events until recent times.

The Lepanto Battle was won by the Christian alliance against the Turks by praying the [[Rosary]], having the intersetion of the Virgin Mary.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cope.es/religion/vivir-la-fe/cultura-y-fe/noticias/lepanto-batalla-historica-que-gano-con-arma-rosario-20211007_265100|title=Lepanto: la batalla histórica contra los turcos que se ganó rezando el rosario|date=October 7, 2021|publisher=COPE|language=es}}</ref>

===Evangelization of the New Discovered lands by Spain===
{{See also|History of Spain#Hispanic Catholic Monarchy}}
[[File:guadalupe..jpg|thumb|150px|Artist's rendition of [[Our Lady of Guadalupe]], based on the venerated image. The original image was made by God himself by allowing the Virgin Mary's apparition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.religionenlibertad.com/cultura/374248359/virgen-guadalupe-aparicion-juan-diego-america-mexico.html|title=La Virgen de Guadalupe: ¿Cómo se apareció? ¿Qué hechos ocurrieron? ¿Cómo cambió el mundo?|date=December 11, 2023|publisher=Religión en Libertad|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://es.catholic.net/op/articulos/29884/el-misterio-de-la-virgen-de-guadalupe-mexicana.html|title=El misterio de la Virgen de Guadalupe mexicana|publisher=Catholic.net|language=es|author=P. Jorge Loring}}</ref>]]
The [[History of Spain#Hispanic Catholic Monarchy|Spanish Empire]] converted into Catholicism the indigenous people of [[the Americas]] and the [[Philippines]], having the miracle of the [[Virgin of Guadalupe]] that helped to convert millions in the New Spain Viceroyalty ([[Mexico]] nowadays).

The [[Catholic Monarchs]] asked the [[Salamanca]] University if the people of the [[New World]] were worthy of being evangelized, the answer was yes and this they were considered humans with a soul, like the Europeans. The ''Encomienda'' system was put in place, being reformed with the [[Burgos Laws]] against slavery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zendalibros.com/leyes-de-burgos-las-reales-ordenanzas-para-proteger-a-los-indigenas-del-nuevo-mundo/|title=Leyes de Burgos, las reales ordenanzas para proteger a los indígenas del Nuevo Mundo|date=Decemeber 27, 2023|language=es|publisher=Zenda}}</ref> Queen Isabel the Catholic prohibited slavery on June 20, 1500,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.acami.es/efemerides/20-de-junio-de-1500real-provision-de-isabel-i-de-castilla-prohibiendo-la-esclavitud/|title=20 de junio de 1500|publisher=Academia de Ciencia y Artes Militares|language=es}}</ref> following the Catholic doctrine and the advice of the Salamanca University.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libertaddigital.com/cultura/2014-03-16/desmontando-la-falsa-leyenda-negra-de-isabel-la-catolica-1276513241/|title=Desmontando "la falsa leyenda negra" de Isabel La Católica|March 16, 2014|publisher=Libertad Digital|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.larazon.es/cultura/isabel-la-catolica-la-reina-que-libero-a-los-esclavos-KD24722080/|title=Isabel la Católica, la reina que liberó a los esclavos|date=February 28, 2019|language=es|publisher=La Razón}}</ref>

Thanks to the [[Conquistadors|Spanish Conquistadors]], human sacrifices made by the [[Aztecs]], [[Mayas]] and other groups ceased, having as allies other indigenous groups that were victims of the demonic system. [[Hernán Cortés]] liberated those groups with the help of them.

The Holy [[Inquisition]] was not applied to natives.

While the Church lost many souls in Europe, many more were gained in the Americas and the Philippines.

===1815 to 1914===

====Conservatism====
[[Image:Cabrera The Madonna of the Rosary.jpg|thumb|left|The Madonna of the [[Rosary]] by Miguel Cabrera.]]
After 1800 the Papacy became the center of conservatism in Europe in reaction against the radicalism of the French Revolution. Pius VII (1800–23) was stripped of powers by [[Napoleon]] but made a striking comeback after Napoleon's fall in 1815. His unusually able Secretary of State Cardinal Consalvi won the restoration to the Pope of most of the territories in Italy which Napoleon had seized. He reinvigorated numerous monastic orders and helped create new societies for men and women, especially those engaged in teaching and missionary work. Most important was the restoration of the Jesuits in 1814. They grew more numerous and even more influential in the 19th century.

The Papacy recognized that throughout Europe millions of peasants and poor folk were devoted to the saints and traditions of the Church; the Popes responded energetically by promoting various Marian devotions (such as the [[Rosary|Holy Rosary]]) ([[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] 1:48; Luke 1:28: Luke 18:1). Rome had fallen into disrepair, and Pius VII began the restoration of the city's artistic glories, an enterprise that continues in the 21st century.<ref>Kelly (1999); Duffy (2006); Latourette (1958) vol 1.</ref>

====Ultramontane vs Gallican====

The "ultramontane" tendency in the Church centralized more power and authority in the Papacy. It was opposed by the "[[Gallican]]" tendency, especially in France, to give national churches more control over their affairs. The ultramontine forces generally won out, especially with the promulgation of [[Papal Infallibility]] at the [[First Vatican Council]] in 1870. The ultramontane forces cited the old doctrines of [[Robert Bellarmine]] (1542-1621) and Francisco de Suárez (1548-1617) to bolster the papal claim to absolute power in spiritual matters.

Gallicanism in France was damaged by the rise of ultramontanism in the 1850s and the devotional revolution that shifted [[piety]] to devotions sponsored by Rome. Gallicanism was officially suppressed by the [[First Vatican Council]] in 1870, which established the paramount authority of the Pope as a matter of dogma. However informal manifestations of Gallicanism continue in some countries, especially China. In Canada, the Irish clergy fought for ultramontanism against the French clergy, who were Gallican. The [[Catholicism in Ireland|Irish]] won out with the support of the Vatican.

====Facing Modernity====

Nineteenth century urbanization brought millions of peasants from the villages to industrial cities where church facilities were few. The Church escaped irrelevance by using the same means as emerging nation-states: promoting a homogeneous culture aided especially by universal use of Latin; authorizing new rites and folk devotions, especially those focused on Mary and other favored saints; promoting pilgrimages to holy sites; encouraging clergy to endorse and lead regional nationalist movements that focused on historic languages and cultures; creating many new teaching orders and schools; supporting intellectuals and publishing houses; cultivating an image of theological, canonical, and moral superiority; and establishing more administrative and doctrinal centralization (in Rome). Of special importance was the missionary activity, based especially in Germany, that was in competition with Protestant missions in China, India, Africa and other non-Christian lands. The Jesuits proved highly adept at promoting the Papal cause.

The resurgence of Papal leadership caused internal dissent among some Catholic intellectuals, such as the historian [[Lord Acton]] in Britain and the theologian Ignaz von Döllinger in Germany, who opposed the declaration of the dogma of papal infallibility. This caused further schisms, with breakaway groups centering on the Archbishop of [[Utrecht]] to form the [[Old Catholic Church]].

=====Syllabus of Errors=====

The [[Syllabus of Errors]] of Pope [[Pius IX]] in 1864 rejected the liberal doctrines of the modern world.<ref>[http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Pius09/p9syll.htm see text at]</ref> It denounced pantheism, naturalism, nationalism, indifferentism, socialism, communism, freemasonry, theological rationalism, [[separation of church and state]], and removal of [[public school]]s from Church control. The Pope claimed for the Catholic Church total control over science and culture. Liberals viewed this as a declaration of war by the Church on modern civilization. Opponents stressed the Papacy had become intolerant and medieval and largely political in nature.<ref>Latourette (1958) vol 1 ch. 6</ref>

====Facing Liberalism====

In Germany in the 1840s the ultramontane movement used mass meetings and pilgrimages to combat the growth of liberalism and modernism. However, the anti-clerical press attacked these mass meetings, and in response a large number of Catholic newspapers emerged in Germany starting in the 1840s. To ensure their own survival, these newspapers championed a liberal idea--[[Freedom of the press|press freedom]]. In addition, local clubs were established to mobilize the Catholic working class. These clubs tried to end discrimination against ordinary Catholics by advocating other liberal concepts—freedom of religion and freedom of thought—and by entering the electoral process.

With the unification of Germany in 1870, the new nation faced the problems of consolidation, one of which was secularization. The laws dealing with secularization opened a political battle between Chancellor [[Bismarck]] and the Catholics, which struggle is called the "[[Kulturkampf]]." The Catholics organized their own political parties and protected their interests by voting as a bloc into the 1930s, when the Nazis closed down all other parties.

====Freemasons====

Freemasonry is a secret society that was, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, politically active in numerous countries. The Catholic Church opposed Freemasonry and forbade its members to belong to Masonic lodges. The Catholic Church first condemned Freemasonry in 1738. This was partially because Masons were often aligned with popular uprisings that had the objective of replacing traditional monarchs and class privilege with national independence and voting rights. A large number of the signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence had been Freemasons, for example. Some, though not all, of the French Revolution's leaders were Masons, although Robespierre was not a Mason. The Masonic role in the French Revolution was part of the reason the Catholic Church condemned Freemasonry.

The Papacy coordinated attacks against Masonry in countries such as Brazil, where the religious question in the 1870s centered on Masonry and the struggle between regalist and ultramontane forces. One method of Catholic action was to found Catholic universities. Ignace Bourget, second bishop of Montreal, Canada, founded Laval University, saying that the university would be the principal instrument for "wresting the elite from the clutches of liberalism." At the time, political Liberalism was closely associated with national liberation and democracy.

====Women====

A spiritual revolution took place in the 19th century, moving individuals to a renewed interest in personal piety. There was a new emphasis on the role of Mary and a greatly increased involvement of women in the life of the Church. The number of sisters and nuns increased from 20,000 to 400,000 between 1815 and 1914.

Camp (1990) traced the treatment of women by the Church. In the late 19th century, the papacy began to revise its public teachings about the proper role of women in the Church and society. From Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) to Pope John Paul II (1978-2005), papal social pronouncements revealed an evolution in attitudes from the view that women are passive subordinates to men in all spheres of life to the current teaching that lay and clerical women are equal but complementary partners with men in religious, political, economic, and social endeavors. Nevertheless, the papacy has remained firm in the conviction that ordination is for men only.

====Arts====

[[Image:Cerro_de_Angeles.jpg|right|thumb|330px|Cerro de los Ángeles, [[Madrid]], [[Spain]].]]
The arts provided a refuge from modernity in the form of a nostalgic aesthetic. Church architecture saw the revival of the medieval [[Gothic]] style. Romantic literature, for example by Chateaubriand, helped inspire a Catholic revival. In music, Catholic churchgoers were likely to be exposed to an officially sponsored revival of ''a cappella'' singing in the manner of Palestrina. The rapid development of symphonic and operatic forms affected sacred music, resulting in many masses, requiems, and te deums for large orchestra and chorus, sometimes even composed by skeptics such as Berlioz and Verdi.

====Politics====

In politics, as democracy and popular government spread, religious motivations moved people into one party or the other. In Catholic countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, sharp confrontations emerged between clericals and anti-clericals; in countries with mixed Catholic and Protestant populations such as Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Britain and the U.S., political splits occurred along confessional lines. In the U.S. the great majority of the Catholics became [[Democratic Party|Democrats]]. In Germany the Catholics formed their own Center party to fight off attacks from the Protestants, as during the [[Kulturkampf]].

The British attempt to impose Protestantism on Ireland not only fueled the Catholic revival there but also contributed to its spread via emigration to the U.S. and Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and England itself, all of which increased the Catholic population. The Irish often took control of the Church in each of these countries. The Poles, having lost their nation state in the 1790s, turned to an intense religiosity that preserved national identity and which they carried with them to industrial centers in the U.S. and Germany. In the U.S., some Poles, frustrated with the Irish control of the Church, founded the Polish National Catholic Church<ref>https://pncc.org/</ref>.

===20th century===
====Marian Apparitions in Fátima, 1917====
{{Main article|Fatima}}
On Sunday, May 13, 1917, the children were tending their sheep in another patch of land called the Cova da Iria. Seeing what they thought was a flash of lightning, they started to return home when they noticed a Lady, radiantly dressed in white, hovering over a small holmoak tree. She told them not to be afraid, that she was from Heaven and wanted them to come to the Cova da Iria for six months in succession on the 13th day. She asked the children to pray the [[Rosary]] every day, in order to obtain peace for the world and an end to the first world war, which was taking place at the time.<ref>Fatima in Lucia's own words (15th edition). Fr. Louis Kondor, SVD, editor. Secretariado Dos Pastorinhos, Fatima, Portugal. pages 174-176.</ref>
[[Image:Fatima.jpg|150px|left]]
On July 13, 1917, Our Lady told the children: "Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say many times especially whenever you make a sacrifice: O Jesus, it is for the love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."<ref>ibid. page 178.</ref> As she spoke those last words, she opened her hands and pointed to an opening in the ground. The children saw a vision of hell where demons and souls in human form, burned like embers and shrieked with pain and despair. Our Lady told them: "You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world, devotion to my Immaculate Heart."<ref>ibid</ref>"To prevent this, I shall come to ask for the consecration of [[Russia]] to my Immaculate Heart and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays.<ref>Letter from Sister Lucia dos Santos, transcribed by Rev. Fr. José Bernrdo Gonçalves, S.J. June 13, 1929.</ref> If my request are heeded, [[Russia]] will be converted and there will be peace.<ref>Letter from Sister Lucia dos Santos, transcribed by Rev. Fr. José Bernrdo Gonçalves, S.J. June 13, 1929.</ref> If not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be annihilated. In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate [[Russia]] to me and she will be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world.<ref>Fatima in Lucia's own words (15th edition). Fr. Louis Kondor, SVD, editor. Secretariado Dos Pastorinhos, Fatima, Portugal. pages 179.</ref> When you pray the Rosary, say after each mystery: O my Jesus, forgive us, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need."<ref>ibid</ref>

The children faced much ridicule from their parents, the townspeople and even faced arrest and intimidation from the local authorities. However, increasing numbers of people did believe and accompanied them on their journeys to the Cova da Iria when they received the apparitions. Our Lady promised the children that on the 13th of October, she would perform a miracle for those who did not believe.

Francisco died on April 4, 1919 from bronchial influenza<ref>Our Lady Comes to Fatima. page 34. Leaflet Missal Company. 1987.</ref> and Jacinta died February 20, 1920 following complications from pleurisy.<ref>ibid. page 39.</ref> Lucia became a nun and continued to receive apparitions from Our Lady and Jesus. She lived to be 97 and passed away on February 13, 2005 at the Carmelite Convent in Coimbra, [[Portugal]].<ref>http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=35248</ref>

Today, Fátima is one of the world's most visited Marian sites. The site of the apparitions of Our Lady in the Cova da Iria is now called the Capelinha. During the evenings, the [[Rosary]] is said by visiting pilgrims from all over the world and a candlelight procession in the esplanade follows.

The third secret of Our Lady of Fátima is a mystery and there are many speculations. There is also a link to the ''' [[Fatima |Fatima prophecy and Soviet Union dissolving]].'''

=====Miracle in the Field=====
[[Image:Fatima2.jpg|right|150px]]
On October 13, 1917, a crowd of thousands gathered with Lucia, Francisco and Lucia in the rainy field. Our Lady told the children that she wanted a chapel to be built on the site in her honor; she called herself the Lady of the Rosary. She asked them to continue to pray the [[Rosary]] every day. "The war is going to end," she told them, "and the soldiers will soon return to their homes.'<ref>ibid. page 182.</ref> Our Lady departed from the children and Lucia told the crowd to look at the sun. The people gathered in the Cova da Iria saw the sun turn into a huge silver disk. It spun like a wheel of fire, then rotated, casting hues of color onto the crowd below. Then, the sun fell from its orbit toward the earth, causing many people to make acts of contrition, thinking it was the end of the world. The sun though retracted and left the rain-soaked crowd dry and many of those who had arrived with infirmities, cured.<ref>Our Lady Comes to Fatima. page 31. Leaflet Missal Company. 1987.</ref> ''O Seculo'', a free-thinking newspaper would report, "...the sun has trembled...unprecedented and outside of all cosmic laws - the sun has danced..."<ref>O Seculo. October 15, 1917.</ref>

====Vatican II====
{{Main article|Second Vatican Council}}
[[File:John-23.jpg|right|thumb|270px|[[Pope John XXIII]] reigned 1958-63]]

The "Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican" (termed [[Vatican II]]), was called by [[Pope John XXIII]] and was in session from 1962 to 1965. It dramatically modernized and transformed church policies, with major changes to official theology and liturgy. Liturgical changes included the introduction of Mass in local languages instead of Latin. Theologically, the council deemphasized the centrality of Mary while also adding a new emphasis on individual and personal holiness. These were ideas previously associated with Protestantism and had, in some cases, been features in the opposition to the Catholic Church since the time of the Protestant Reformation. The Council asserted the Church's support for [[freedom of religion]], declared that the Jews were not guilty of [[deicide]], and recognized the possibility of salvation for Jews, Muslims, and Protestants.

After Vatican II, 1962–65, the controversy among Catholics over papal authority and infallibility largely ended, though some significant degree of opposition to it remains,<ref>such as by historian Garry Wills, author of ''Papal Sin: Structures of Deceit'' (Sophia Institute Press, 2003), and liberal theologian Hans Kung, author of ''Infallible?: An inquiry'' (1970)</ref><ref>David Carlin, ''The Decline and Fall of the Catholic Church in America'',‎ appendix 2</ref><ref>[http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Rhodes/3543/vatican.htm Raymond Taouk, ''What are Catholics to think of Vatican II?'']</ref> This dissent is mainly manifested in disagreement with Catholic teaching on birth control and abortion.<ref>[http://www.christianethicstoday.com/Issue/014/Infallibility%20in%20Ethical%20Perspective%20By%20John%20M.%20Swomley_014_26_.htm John M. Swomley, ''Infallibility in Ethical Perspective Christian Ethics Today], Issue 014 Volume 4 No 1 February 1996</ref> For example, 56% of U.S. Catholics said that the Pope is not infallible "when he teaches on matters of morals, such as birth control and abortion"; 80% of Catholics believed it is possible to disagree with the Pope on official positions on morality and still be a good Catholic.<ref>Time/CNN nationwide poll of 1,000 adults, conducted by Yankelovich Partners, Sept. 27-28, 1995</ref>

Reactions among Catholics to Vatican II fall into three camps. "Liberal" Catholics, drawing on the established Catholic belief in the "journeying" nature of the Church, see Vatican II and the new period that it marked in Catholic history as representing a significant advancement in man's understanding of the Gospels, which in turn justifies changes in Catholic belief and practice. "Conservative" Catholics (including the most recent Popes) hold that the decrees of the council, properly understood, are wholly in line with the historic Catholic faith, and that they should not be used as an excuse for unwarranted innovations. "Traditional" (or "[[Traditionalist Catholicism|traditionalist]]") Catholics regard the teachings of Vatican II as problematic, or even as heretical. Some of these Catholics reject the modernism of Vatican II and attend [[Traditional Latin Mass]] where is celebrated. The largest of the congregation that maintains tradition and celebrates Tridentine Masses is the [[Society of St. Pius X]] but there are other ones as well as the Christ the King Institute or the Society of St. Peter.

===Opposes Maid===
The church has been opposing MAiD (medical assistance in dying) as murder just as it as always opposed suicide. There has been a notable uptick of parishes across Canada in recent months holding anti-euthanasia film screenings and welcoming special guests to deliver educational presentations. <ref>https://www.catholicregister.org/archive/item/36455-ordinary-catholics-must-rise-up-against-maid/</ref><ref>https://www.catholicyyc.ca/blog/maid-a-catholic-response</ref><ref>https://policyoptions.irpp.org/2024/02/maid-forced-transfers/</ref><ref>https://news.rcdos.ca/2024/02/16/catholics-are-encouraged-to-rally-against-euthanasia-maid/</ref><ref>https://theleaven.org/english-archbishop-warns-legalizing-assisted-suicide-could-close-church-run-hospices/</ref>.

===21st Century===
[[File:Pope Leo XIV.jpg|thumbnail|[[Pope Leo XIV]] the first American Pope.]]
Current issues facing the Catholic Church include:

* The effects of Obamacare and other liberal legislation on Catholic hospitals (such as funding for abortion)
* The aftermath of a series of sexual abuse scandals by priests and other clergymen. In the early 2000s, it was found that bishops were privately settling cases of molestation of minors by priests, occurring primarily between the 1940s and 1980s. The attempted [[Cover up|cover-up]] of this abuse by the church has caused many Catholics to become disillusioned with the church.
* Increasing atheism and secularism in Europe

Islam has become a significant a threat to Catholicism as well. Sharia Law's rejection of religious freedom and '''the ongoing genocide of Chaldean Rite Catholics in Iraq''' are among these threats. There is a very strong trend of Muslim immigration into Europe, which is subverting the judicial system towards a Sharia theocracy. This trend is fueled through assassinations and threats towards anti-Islamic politicians (such as [[Theo Van Gogh]] and [[Geert Wilders]]). While Christianity remains the world's largest religion, all denominations of Islam combined now outnumber Catholicism (the most popular Christian denomination).

The Church has taken stances on controversial issues, including opposing the [[Iraq War]],<ref>Richert, Scott P. "What Is the Papacy's Response to the War in Iraq?" About.com Catholicism. http://catholicism.about.com/od/thechurchintheworld/f/popes_on_iraq.htm</ref> supporting [[universal health care]] (including many aspects of [[Obamacare]]),<ref>Clarke, Kevin. "Papal prescription for universal health care." January 16, 2011. U.S. Catholic. http://www.uscatholic.org/culture/social-justice/2011/01/papal-prescription</ref> and supporting assistance to [[illegal immigrant]]s.<ref>Kerwin, Donald. "Immigration Reform and the Catholic Church." May, 2006. Migration Information Source. http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?id=395</ref> Some high-ranking officials of the Catholic Church have falsely attacked conservative evangelical Christians and Catholics in the United States for holding conservative views and supposedly supporting a "theocratic state."<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (July 14, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/14/papal-adviser-bashes-american-christians-in-bigoted-screed/ Papal Advisers Bash American Christians in Bigoted Screed]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 14, 2017.</ref><ref>Bowden, John (July 15, 2017). [https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/342168-top-allies-of-pope-francis-criticize-religious-trump-supporters Top allies of Pope Francis criticize religious Trump supporters]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved July 15, 2017.</ref> '''The Church continues to oppose suicide, birth control and abortion, as discussed above.'''

== See also ==

<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">

*[[Social Reign of Jesus Christ]]
*[[Cafeteria Catholic]]
*[[Catholic views on creationism‎]]
*[[Pope Leo XIV]]
*[[Vatican City]]
*[[Petrine Primacy]]
*[[Catholicism in Crisis]]
*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Ash Wednesday]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
*[[Catholic_Church#Different_churches | Eastern Catholic]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Afterlife]]
*[[Exorcism]]
</div>

==External links==
[[Image:Virgen.jpg|right|thumb|Virgin Mary and Child]]

*[http://www.Vatican.va The Vatican]
*A digital version of [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/ ''The Catholic Encyclopedia''].
*[http://www.cua.edu/ The Catholic University of America] Washington, D. C.
*[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11567b.htm St. Paul] Catholic Encyclopedia.
*[http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm Catechism of the Catholic Church] Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church web site.
*[http://www.pellegrinocattolico.com/index.html Al Pellegrino Cattolico] Italian web site.
*[https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/religion-and-philosophy/apologetics/the-great-heresies.html '''The Great Heresies'''] ''This is a list of heresies committed by Catholics who sowed division in the body of Christ.'' (compare 1 Corinthians 3:17, 12:27)

==Further reading==
* Bokenkotter, Thomas. ''A Concise History of the Catholic Church'' (2005) [https://www.amazon.com/Concise-History-Catholic-Church/dp/0385516134/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241119912&sr=8-2 excerpt and text search]
* Brown, Peter. ''The Rise of Western Christendom: Triumph and Diversity 200-1000 AD'' (2002), 640pp
* Chadwick, Owen. ''A History of the Popes, 1830-1914.'' (1998), 616pp; a standard recent history. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=12355195 online edition],
* Holland, Joe. ''Modern Catholic Social Teaching: The Popes Confront the Industrial Age 1740-1958.'' Paulist Press, 2003. 404 pp.
* Kung, Hans. ''The Catholic Church: A Short History'' (2003), by a leading Catholic scholar [https://www.amazon.com/Catholic-Church-History-Library-Chronicles/dp/0812967623/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241119912&sr=8-15 excerpt and text search]
* Latourette, Kenneth Scott. ''Christianity in a Revolutionary Age: A History of Christianity in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries'' 5 Vol'' (1958), a detailed history of Christianity 1800-1950 by a Protestant scholar. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=101463833 vol 1 online edition]
* O'Toole, James M. ''The Faithful: A History of Catholics in America'' (2008) [https://books.google.com/books?id=BFlBzSAVW6kC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:The+intitle:Faithful+intitle:A+intitle:History+intitle:of+intitle:Catholics+intitle:in+intitle:America&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search]

===References===
* ''New Catholic 'Encyclopedia'' (1967), complete coverage of all topics by Catholic scholars
* ''Catholic Encyclopedia,'' (1913) [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/ online edition] complete coverage by Catholic scholars; the articles were written about 100 years ago
* Coppa, Frank J., ed. ''Great Popes through History: An Encyclopedia.'' (2002). 600 pp.
* Kelly, J.N.D. ''The Oxford Dictionary of Popes'' (1988). 349pp; scholarly short biographies; [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=54850171 online edition]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}
[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Catholic Church| ]]
[[Category:Christian History]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Primate (church)

2026-09-28T04:41:42Z

Cool6dad:

A '''primate''' is a senior [[archbishop]] in the [[Anglican Communion|Anglican Church]], a Major [[archbishop]] in [[Roman Catholic Church]] who heads a [[Roman_Catholic_Church#Catholic_Church_Rites-branches | Rite]] or [[Orthodox Church]]. The term is also used for the bishop who heads any denomination which is in [[Apostolic succession]]. In some churches the word is used descriptively; in others it is the bishop's actual title.

[[Category:Religious Terms]]

Catholic Church

2026-09-28T04:40:40Z

Cool6dad: /* Sacraments */

''See also the [[Roman Catholic Church]]''.

{{Christianity}}
[[Image:Murillo Inmaculada de El Escorial.jpg|left|140px]]
==Different churches==

The term "The Catholic Church" refers to any one of a number of different Rites and church organizations, but, in the United States, it is most often used synonymously for the church whose most widespread Rite is the Latin Rite(which since 1963 uses native languages)—the Roman Catholic Church. However, [[https://fssp.com/ the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter]] has a historical exemption to say the Latin Mass, as reaffirmed by [[Pope Francis]]<ref>https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256968/pope-francis-meets-fssp-head-confirms-right-to-celebrate-the-traditional-latin-mass</ref> which shouldn't be confused with the [[Society of St. Pius X | SSPX Church]] which is NOT part of the RC church. '''Other Rites include''' the Byzantine, Alexandrian, Syriac, Armenian, Maronite, Chaldean, Melkite (also known as the Greek Catholic Church), the Malankara Church, the Syro-Malabar Church, and the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. They are different from the Latin rite in many ways but still recognize the [[Petrine Primacy|primacy of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope)]] and are in communion with Rome. These [[Eastern Catholic Churches|Eastern Rite churches]] are Catholic and do not belong to the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. The Roman Catholic Church is the largest [[Christianity|Christian]] denomination in the world, with over one billion adherents.<ref>http://www.adherents.com/adh_branches.html#Christianity</ref> It comprises one of the three great divisions of Christianity, together with [[Protestantism]] and [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodoxy]].

Despite important differences in doctrine, the Roman Catholic Church recognizes the [[Orthodox Church]]'s Holy Orders (priesthood) as valid; however, the Orthodox generally follow a theory of ordination for place and purpose, so the notion of being ordained outside the Orthodox Church is moot, and no theory of validity is held to.

The Roman Catholic Church has often, especially prior to the rise of Protestantism, been considered the Western Church while the Greek Orthodox Church is considered the Eastern Church. But more eastern than that, there was, from the earliest centuries, the Aramaic Church of the East (see [[Aramaic Church]]) which considers itself to be a Catholic church. The full name for this Church is the "Holy Apostolic and Catholic Church of the East." This Church, being cut off for most of the time from the Roman and Byzantine spheres by being in the "enemy" empire - Parthia - developed differently from its sister Catholic Church of the West. The Church of the East also having the threefold ministry of Bishop, Priest, and Deacon, and being in [[Apostolic succession]] (through the Apostle Thomas rather than Peter), never developed the infallibility of bishops, as the Roman Church would do for the bishop of Rome (the Pope) nor infallibility of the synod of bishops as did the Greek Orthodox church. This elevates the authority of the Bible and brings affinity of this Catholic Church to the Evangelical world.

It is commonly thought that the Catholic church forbids its priests to marry. But this is true only of the Latin Rite. Eastern Rite Catholic Church congregations which are in communion with the Roman Catholic church have a married priesthood and diaconate although bishops may not marry. It is a common sight for non Latin rite Catholic priests to be seen, particularly in the Mid East and India, with wives and children. Priestly celibacy for Latin Rite Roman Catholic, though in force, is considered as canonical ruling having papal force but not an infallible decree or teaching coming "ex cathedra" - and thus priestly celibacy may be changed by the Pope and be in line with the non Latin rites of the Catholic Church. The general rule in the Roman Catholic Church in relation to its eastern rite communions within it is to allow the customs, practices, and even doctrines to remain "eastern". This approach entails not only the allowance of married priests but also mixed vernacular liturgies of natural development (Aramaic with Arabic, Aramaic with Greek), baptism of infants immediately followed by Chrismation (confirmation), rather than the Latin rite 12 year interval between baptism and confirmation, baptism by full immersion even of infants rather than sprinking or pouring as in Latin rite.

The Roman Catholic Church historically regarded [[Protestantism|Protestant]] Christianity as heretical, that is, being against Roman doctrine. The tone changed in the 1960s when [[Pope John XXIII]] called the Second Vatican Council, at which "the doors of the Church were opened wide" and Protestants were referred to as "our separated brethren".

[[Image:JpII.jpg|right|thumb|John Paul II]]
The [[Anglican Church]] (also called "Episcopal" in the United States and Scotland) represents a special situation because it encompasses within it several factions. "Low Church" emphasizes Protestant worship aspects while "High Church" emphasizes Catholic worship aspects. Anglicans who consider themselves to be "Anglo-Catholics" are usually "High Church," i.e. in favor of Roman Catholic-style vestments, ceremonies, and devotionals. Anglicans who consider themselves to be "Evangelicals" are usually marked by worship services in the "Low Church" style that is liturgical but not nearly as ceremonial, and by Protestant views on salvation, the sacraments, and the supremacy of Scripture over [[Apostolic Tradition]].

Anglo-Catholics sometimes regard the Anglican churches as being part of the Catholic Church. They may also be called "Anglo-Roman" if they further accept the authority of the Pope, even though he exercises no jurisdiction over their churches. Although all Anglicans believe in the unbroken line of the Apostolic Succession, the Roman Catholic Church has ceased to recognize as valid the Anglican claim thereto.

The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern branches take a position that could be described as saying that the Anglican Church is almost Catholic. There have long been unification talks between the churches, and Anglican priests who wish to convert to the Catholic Church and receive Catholic Holy Orders are often provided with an abbreviated path to that goal.

The [[Nicene Creed]], the great historical statement of Christian belief, contains the line "I believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic church". The [[Apostles' Creed]] contains a similar affirmation. However, Protestants and Catholics place different interpretations on the term "universal", or "catholic". Protestants believe that it refers to the general, overarching spiritual unity of all Christian believers, Jew or gentile, which transcends individual churches and denominations. Catholics, on the other hand, believe that the [[Roman Catholic Church]], as the single true church founded by Christ, is the universal Catholic Church in itself. Some avoid referring to their own church as the "Roman" Catholic Church, on the grounds that such formulations implicitly deny this point of doctrine.

The Modernist Second Vatican Council is resisted by the [[Society of Saint Pius X]] which is known for its [[traditionalist]] stands and forms priests to celebrate Tridentine Masses ([[Traditional Latin Mass]]). It is in a complicated situation with the [[Holy See]], however, it is not [[Sedevacantism|Sedevacantist]].

=="Roman Catholic" versus "Catholic"==
[[Image:Malaga catedral.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Cathedral of Malaga, [[Spain]].]]
The term "[[catholic]]" (from the Greek ''katholikos'') means "universal", and its roots in ecclesiastical parlance go back to the
Catholic Epistles of Paul (''Epistolen Katholika'') which preach a universal salvation or salvation for the [[gentile]]s. Some Protestants believe that (Roman) Catholics do not have the right to monopolize the term, and so prefix it with the adjective "Roman". Historically speaking, the term "Roman Catholic" was coined in nineteenth-century Britain as a [[euphemism]] to replace insulting terms such as "papist" that had previously been in use. However, Cardinal John Henry Newman states, regarding the early period in which [[Arianism]] was being fought, that "It is more remarkable that the Catholics during this period were denoted by the additional title of Romans. Of this there are many proofs in the histories of St. Gregory of Tours, Victor of Vite, and the Spanish Councils."<ref>Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine (1845; rev. ed. 1878), see ch. 6, sec. 3</ref>

==Sacraments==

The [[Roman Catholic Church]] has seven sacraments:
*[[Baptism]]
*[[Confirmation]]
*[[Holy Eucharist]]
*[[Confession|Reconciliation]]
*[[Anointing of the Sick]]
*[[Matrimony]]
*[[Holy Orders]]

An important distinctions between the theology of different Christian denominations is the acceptance or rejection of the seven sacraments. The [[Anglican Church]] recognizes all seven, although it grants Baptism and the Eucharist higher significance than the other five. Other Protestant churches typically recognize only Baptism and the Eucharist, as did Martin Luther, the founder of Protestantism.

== See also ==
[[Image:Catholic.jpg|right|Catholic life]]

* [[Roman Catholic Church]]
* [[Traditional Latin Mass]]
* [[Anglicanism]]
* [[Protestantism]]
*[[Orthodox Church]]
*[[Aramaic Church]]
*[[Christianity in Conservapedia]]
*[[Pope Benedict XVI]]
*[[Holy See]]
*[[Petrine Primacy]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[Roman_Catholic_Church#Catholic_Church_Rites-branches | Catholic Church Rites-branches]]
*[[Ex opere operato and ex opere operantis]]
*[["Catholic Heresies and Traditions Adopted and Perpetuated by the Roman Catholic Church in the Course of 1600 Years"]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Catholic Church]]

Society of St. Pius X

2026-09-25T01:19:22Z

Cool6dad: /* Continuing Disputes */

[[File:Héraldique meuble Coeur vendéen.svg|thumbnail|250px]]
__FORCETOC__The '''Society of St. Pius X''' <ref>https://sspx.org/en</ref> is an international society made up of traditional [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] clergy. Founded with canonical approval in 1970<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> by the late [[Archbishop]] [[Marcel Lefebvre]], it is the largest [[Traditionalist Catholicism|Traditional Catholic]] organization in operation and currently administers the [[Sacraments]] (including the [[Traditional Latin Mass]]) in over 27 countries. There is much dispute regarding accusations of [[schism]] due to Archbishop Lefebvre's decision to consecrate 4 Bishops in 1988, disregarding the command of [[Pope John Paul II]].

==Creation and Beginnings==

The Society of St. Pius X <ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/organization</ref> originated as a reaction to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council within the Catholic Church. '''They reject [[Second Vatican Council]]'s encouragement of dialogue and cooperation with other Christian denominations and the current mass no longer being in Latin instead being in native languages.''' In 1968, a group of French seminarians grew concerned with the orthodoxy of their priestly training due to the [[New Left]] ideology which had infiltrated their seminaries.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> As a result, they sought out the recently retired Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, with the request that he adopt the task of overseeing their priestly formation. Originally reluctant to get involved, Archbishop Lefebvre was persuaded to relent, and later said that it would have been an abandonment of Church Tradition if he had ignored them. Thus, International Priestly Society of St. Pius X was unofficially created.

In 1970, the Bishop of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg, His Excellency Bishop Charriere, officially recognized the canonical validity of the new Society.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> At the same time, a group of Swiss laymen offered their property in Econe to the Archbishop as a seminary for future priests.

The canonical status was confirmed on February 18, 1971 by the prefect for the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal,<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> who praised the society's statutes and recognized it as an international Catholic society with the power to incardinate its clergy. Thus, the Society became legally recognized as a legitimate Catholic society, unable to be suppressed without a genuine reason or following strict canonical procedures.

==Strained Relations with Rome==

On June 10, 1971, Archbishop Lefebvre formally announces that he will not accept nor celebrate Pope Paul VI's Novus Ordo Mass, accusing it of being Protestant, based on the fact that six Protestant ministers collaborated in its creation,<ref>http://www.olrl.org/new_mass/evils.shtml</ref> and the fabrication of known Freemason Archbishop Annibal <ref>Bugnini.http://www.tanbooks.com/doct/vatican_liturgy.htm</ref> Archbishop Lefebvre would continue to voice these sentiments in denouncing the Novus Ordo Mass throughout the remainder of his life, often accusing it of being a 'bastard rite'.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914596-1,00.html</ref>
In response to Lefebvre's traditional Catholic stance, the French Episcopal Council denounced Econe as 'the wildcat seminary'.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_1.htm</ref>

In November 1974, two apostolic visitors from Rome arrive at Econe. Whilst speaking to the seminarians and teaching staff, they scandalise the faithful by giving support to contraception and ordination of married men. In response to this, Archbishop Lefebvre pens his Declaration, condemning Rome as 'neo-Modernist' and 'neo-Protestant', and pledging his allegiance to the traditional Catholic faith, regardless of what innovations Rome may espouse.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_I._declaration.htm</ref>

==Econe Consecrations==

His health failing, and fearing that his death may mark the end of the traditional Sacraments, Archbishop Lefebvre declared on February 2, 1988 that he intended to consecrate three Bishops, in order to keep the Sacraments of Confirmation and Ordination available to all Catholics. On hearing this news, Rome took the step of renewing negations with the Society and an agreement is reached on the May 5th, allowing the Society to become an approved Society of Apostolic Life and agreeing that one Society priest would be consecrated a Bishop at a time stated by Pope John Paul II. However, the Archbishop realised that no time limit was placed on Rome's assurances and, fearing that the agreement was a ploy to distract him until his death, announced that he would proceed with the Episcopal Consecrations on June 30, 1988.

On June 29, Rome made a last attempt to persuade the Archbishop not to continue with his intentions. A driver is sent to Econe and a promise is made that, if he returns to Rome with the driver, the Pope will personally speak to him and attempt to find another solution. The Archbishop refused.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On June 30, 1988, Archbishop Lefebre, alongside Brazilian Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer, consecrated four Bishops in the traditional rite of Consecration. The four priests consecrated were: Father Bernard Fellay, Father Richard Williamson, Father Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, and Father Alfonso de Galarreta. Before consecrating the men, Archbishop Lefebvre made it clear that he was not breaking with Rome, nor was he renouncing the Papacy of John Paul II. But he insisted that the Catholic Faith was not being voiced by Rome and, as a Bishop, he had a duty to preserve the Faith, whatever the cost. .<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On the 2nd July 1988, Pope John Paul II issued his Apostolic Letter 'Ecclesia Dei' in which he condemned the consecrations as 'unlawful', an act of 'disobedience' and, therefore, a 'schismatic act'.<ref>http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/motu_proprio/documents/hf_jp-ii_motu-proprio_02071988_ecclesia-dei_en.html</ref> As a result, the Pope claimed that the Archbishop and four new Bishops had automatically incurred the penalty of excommunication. However, the Pope did not formally excommunicate the five men, nor was he speaking ex cathedra but only as a private theologian. In either case according to the St Augustinian theory a bishop retains his power to ordain Priests and consecrate other bishops, even if excommunicated by the[[Roman_Catholic_Church | Roman Catholic Church]] so its bishops and priests are valid.
==== Society of St. Pius V ====
In 1983 the [https://stpiusvchapel.org/ Society of St. Pius V] A small group broke off from the Society of St. Pius X in the USA. Both now exist in the USA. <ref>https://sspv.org/index.php</ref>
===Continuing Disputes===
Pope Francis further restricts the saying of Mass in Latin which confirms SSPX as a separate church. <ref>https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-13fb8d27e538fc0aafec26a5087d387e</ref> Certain separate churches like this one are recognized to have valid but illicit bishops<ref>https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/22738/vatican-explains-teaching-on-illicit-ordinations</ref> and priests. However illicit bishops and priests can still perform valid sacraments <ref>https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/59640/which-sacraments-can-be-administered-validly-but-illicitly</ref> The bishops from the 1988 Society of St. Pius X Econe Consecrations 2 had passed away and others had grown very old, so '''on July 1 2026''' in Econe SSPX ordained 4 more bishops<ref>https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/defying-pope-and-facing-excommunication-sspx-consecrates-bishops-huge-outdoor</ref> <ref>https://nuntiatoria.org/2026/02/02/the-sspx-and-the-question-of-new-bishops-2/</ref>. '''In 2026 Pope Leo XIV has excommunicated these bishops Priests and SSPX Church members which makes SSPX a separate church<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/02/vatican-excommunicates-all-members-of-ultra-conservative-rebels-sspx</ref><ref>https://fsspx.news/en/news/letter-holy-father-regarding-decree-dicastery-doctrine-faith-59956</ref>.''' However, these Bishops and Priests are still covered under [[Apostolic_succession#St_Augustinian_Theory | Apostolic Succession]], so can perform valid Sacraments.

==The Society of St. Pius X Church in the 21st Century==
The Society of St. Pius X Church is governed by the [[Superior Religious order | Superior General]], who resides with his assistants, the Secretary General and the General Bursar, in the General House situated in Menzingen, Switzerland <ref>https://fsspx.org/en</ref>. SSPX is Organized into 14 districts worldwide similar to dioceses, each of which is entrusted to a local superior. Auxiliary bishops assist the districts. The USA is under one district a list of its churches can be found via this link <ref>https://sspx.org/en/list-sspx-chapels</ref>.

The Society has Priestly Seminaries in [[France]], [[Buenos Aires]] ([[Argentina]]) and other places.

==== Society of Saint Josaphat ====
The [[Traditional Catholic|Catholic Traditionalist]] of [[Roman Catholic Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)|Byzantine Rite]] assosiation, Priestly Society of Saint Josaphat (SSJK) which is associated with the Traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), its based on [[Lviv]], [[Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/es/news/ucrania-ordenaciones-para-la-fraternidad-san-josafat-19217|title=Ucrania: ordenaciones para la Fraternidad San Josafat|publisher=SSPX|language=es|date=5 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://infovaticana.com/2021/10/26/los-lefebvrianos-presumen-del-gran-numero-de-vocaciones-que-han-tenido-en-2021/|title=Los lefebvrianos presumen del gran número de vocaciones que han tenido en 2021|publisher=Info Vaticana|date=26 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sspx.au/en/news/interview-priest-society-saint-josaphat-war-ukraine-28055|title=An Interview with a Priest of the Society of Saint Josaphat on the War in Ukraine|date=17 July 2022|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/it/node/23067|title=Bishop de Galarreta Ordains Two Priests in Ukraine|date=6 December 2019|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Traditional Latin Mass]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Independent Catholic churches]]
*[[Biblical Canon]]

*[[Global Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
*[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox church]]
*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

==External links==
*[https://sspx.org/en Society of St. Pius X]
==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Catholic Church]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Society of St. Pius X

2026-09-25T01:15:47Z

Cool6dad: /* Econe Consecrations */

[[File:Héraldique meuble Coeur vendéen.svg|thumbnail|250px]]
__FORCETOC__The '''Society of St. Pius X''' <ref>https://sspx.org/en</ref> is an international society made up of traditional [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] clergy. Founded with canonical approval in 1970<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> by the late [[Archbishop]] [[Marcel Lefebvre]], it is the largest [[Traditionalist Catholicism|Traditional Catholic]] organization in operation and currently administers the [[Sacraments]] (including the [[Traditional Latin Mass]]) in over 27 countries. There is much dispute regarding accusations of [[schism]] due to Archbishop Lefebvre's decision to consecrate 4 Bishops in 1988, disregarding the command of [[Pope John Paul II]].

==Creation and Beginnings==

The Society of St. Pius X <ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/organization</ref> originated as a reaction to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council within the Catholic Church. '''They reject [[Second Vatican Council]]'s encouragement of dialogue and cooperation with other Christian denominations and the current mass no longer being in Latin instead being in native languages.''' In 1968, a group of French seminarians grew concerned with the orthodoxy of their priestly training due to the [[New Left]] ideology which had infiltrated their seminaries.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> As a result, they sought out the recently retired Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, with the request that he adopt the task of overseeing their priestly formation. Originally reluctant to get involved, Archbishop Lefebvre was persuaded to relent, and later said that it would have been an abandonment of Church Tradition if he had ignored them. Thus, International Priestly Society of St. Pius X was unofficially created.

In 1970, the Bishop of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg, His Excellency Bishop Charriere, officially recognized the canonical validity of the new Society.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> At the same time, a group of Swiss laymen offered their property in Econe to the Archbishop as a seminary for future priests.

The canonical status was confirmed on February 18, 1971 by the prefect for the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal,<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> who praised the society's statutes and recognized it as an international Catholic society with the power to incardinate its clergy. Thus, the Society became legally recognized as a legitimate Catholic society, unable to be suppressed without a genuine reason or following strict canonical procedures.

==Strained Relations with Rome==

On June 10, 1971, Archbishop Lefebvre formally announces that he will not accept nor celebrate Pope Paul VI's Novus Ordo Mass, accusing it of being Protestant, based on the fact that six Protestant ministers collaborated in its creation,<ref>http://www.olrl.org/new_mass/evils.shtml</ref> and the fabrication of known Freemason Archbishop Annibal <ref>Bugnini.http://www.tanbooks.com/doct/vatican_liturgy.htm</ref> Archbishop Lefebvre would continue to voice these sentiments in denouncing the Novus Ordo Mass throughout the remainder of his life, often accusing it of being a 'bastard rite'.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914596-1,00.html</ref>
In response to Lefebvre's traditional Catholic stance, the French Episcopal Council denounced Econe as 'the wildcat seminary'.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_1.htm</ref>

In November 1974, two apostolic visitors from Rome arrive at Econe. Whilst speaking to the seminarians and teaching staff, they scandalise the faithful by giving support to contraception and ordination of married men. In response to this, Archbishop Lefebvre pens his Declaration, condemning Rome as 'neo-Modernist' and 'neo-Protestant', and pledging his allegiance to the traditional Catholic faith, regardless of what innovations Rome may espouse.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_I._declaration.htm</ref>

==Econe Consecrations==

His health failing, and fearing that his death may mark the end of the traditional Sacraments, Archbishop Lefebvre declared on February 2, 1988 that he intended to consecrate three Bishops, in order to keep the Sacraments of Confirmation and Ordination available to all Catholics. On hearing this news, Rome took the step of renewing negations with the Society and an agreement is reached on the May 5th, allowing the Society to become an approved Society of Apostolic Life and agreeing that one Society priest would be consecrated a Bishop at a time stated by Pope John Paul II. However, the Archbishop realised that no time limit was placed on Rome's assurances and, fearing that the agreement was a ploy to distract him until his death, announced that he would proceed with the Episcopal Consecrations on June 30, 1988.

On June 29, Rome made a last attempt to persuade the Archbishop not to continue with his intentions. A driver is sent to Econe and a promise is made that, if he returns to Rome with the driver, the Pope will personally speak to him and attempt to find another solution. The Archbishop refused.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On June 30, 1988, Archbishop Lefebre, alongside Brazilian Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer, consecrated four Bishops in the traditional rite of Consecration. The four priests consecrated were: Father Bernard Fellay, Father Richard Williamson, Father Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, and Father Alfonso de Galarreta. Before consecrating the men, Archbishop Lefebvre made it clear that he was not breaking with Rome, nor was he renouncing the Papacy of John Paul II. But he insisted that the Catholic Faith was not being voiced by Rome and, as a Bishop, he had a duty to preserve the Faith, whatever the cost. .<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On the 2nd July 1988, Pope John Paul II issued his Apostolic Letter 'Ecclesia Dei' in which he condemned the consecrations as 'unlawful', an act of 'disobedience' and, therefore, a 'schismatic act'.<ref>http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/motu_proprio/documents/hf_jp-ii_motu-proprio_02071988_ecclesia-dei_en.html</ref> As a result, the Pope claimed that the Archbishop and four new Bishops had automatically incurred the penalty of excommunication. However, the Pope did not formally excommunicate the five men, nor was he speaking ex cathedra but only as a private theologian. In either case according to the St Augustinian theory a bishop retains his power to ordain Priests and consecrate other bishops, even if excommunicated by the[[Roman_Catholic_Church | Roman Catholic Church]] so its bishops and priests are valid.
==== Society of St. Pius V ====
In 1983 the [https://stpiusvchapel.org/ Society of St. Pius V] A small group broke off from the Society of St. Pius X in the USA. Both now exist in the USA. <ref>https://sspv.org/index.php</ref>
===Continuing Disputes===
Pope Francis further restricts the saying of Mass in Latin which confirms SSPX as a separate church. <ref>https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-13fb8d27e538fc0aafec26a5087d387e</ref> Certain separate churches like this one are recognized to have valid but illicit bishops<ref>https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/22738/vatican-explains-teaching-on-illicit-ordinations</ref> and priests. However illicit bishops and priests can still perform valid sacraments <ref>https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/59640/which-sacraments-can-be-administered-validly-but-illicitly</ref> The bishops from the 1988 Society of St. Pius X Econe Consecrations 2 had passed away and others had grown very old, so '''on July 1 2026''' SSPX ordained 4 more bishops<ref>https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/defying-pope-and-facing-excommunication-sspx-consecrates-bishops-huge-outdoor</ref> <ref>https://nuntiatoria.org/2026/02/02/the-sspx-and-the-question-of-new-bishops-2/</ref>. '''In 2026 Pope Leo XIV has excommunicated these bishops Priests and SSPX Church members which makes SSPX a separate church<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/02/vatican-excommunicates-all-members-of-ultra-conservative-rebels-sspx</ref><ref>https://fsspx.news/en/news/letter-holy-father-regarding-decree-dicastery-doctrine-faith-59956</ref>.''' However, these Bishops and Priests are still covered under [[Apostolic_succession#St_Augustinian_Theory | Apostolic Succession]], so can perform valid Sacraments.

==The Society of St. Pius X Church in the 21st Century==
The Society of St. Pius X Church is governed by the [[Superior Religious order | Superior General]], who resides with his assistants, the Secretary General and the General Bursar, in the General House situated in Menzingen, Switzerland <ref>https://fsspx.org/en</ref>. SSPX is Organized into 14 districts worldwide similar to dioceses, each of which is entrusted to a local superior. Auxiliary bishops assist the districts. The USA is under one district a list of its churches can be found via this link <ref>https://sspx.org/en/list-sspx-chapels</ref>.

The Society has Priestly Seminaries in [[France]], [[Buenos Aires]] ([[Argentina]]) and other places.

==== Society of Saint Josaphat ====
The [[Traditional Catholic|Catholic Traditionalist]] of [[Roman Catholic Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)|Byzantine Rite]] assosiation, Priestly Society of Saint Josaphat (SSJK) which is associated with the Traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), its based on [[Lviv]], [[Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/es/news/ucrania-ordenaciones-para-la-fraternidad-san-josafat-19217|title=Ucrania: ordenaciones para la Fraternidad San Josafat|publisher=SSPX|language=es|date=5 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://infovaticana.com/2021/10/26/los-lefebvrianos-presumen-del-gran-numero-de-vocaciones-que-han-tenido-en-2021/|title=Los lefebvrianos presumen del gran número de vocaciones que han tenido en 2021|publisher=Info Vaticana|date=26 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sspx.au/en/news/interview-priest-society-saint-josaphat-war-ukraine-28055|title=An Interview with a Priest of the Society of Saint Josaphat on the War in Ukraine|date=17 July 2022|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/it/node/23067|title=Bishop de Galarreta Ordains Two Priests in Ukraine|date=6 December 2019|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Traditional Latin Mass]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Independent Catholic churches]]
*[[Biblical Canon]]

*[[Global Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
*[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox church]]
*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

==External links==
*[https://sspx.org/en Society of St. Pius X]
==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Catholic Church]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Society of St. Pius X

2026-09-25T01:14:30Z

Cool6dad: /* The Society of St. Pius X Church in the 21st Century */

[[File:Héraldique meuble Coeur vendéen.svg|thumbnail|250px]]
__FORCETOC__The '''Society of St. Pius X''' <ref>https://sspx.org/en</ref> is an international society made up of traditional [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] clergy. Founded with canonical approval in 1970<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> by the late [[Archbishop]] [[Marcel Lefebvre]], it is the largest [[Traditionalist Catholicism|Traditional Catholic]] organization in operation and currently administers the [[Sacraments]] (including the [[Traditional Latin Mass]]) in over 27 countries. There is much dispute regarding accusations of [[schism]] due to Archbishop Lefebvre's decision to consecrate 4 Bishops in 1988, disregarding the command of [[Pope John Paul II]].

==Creation and Beginnings==

The Society of St. Pius X <ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/organization</ref> originated as a reaction to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council within the Catholic Church. '''They reject [[Second Vatican Council]]'s encouragement of dialogue and cooperation with other Christian denominations and the current mass no longer being in Latin instead being in native languages.''' In 1968, a group of French seminarians grew concerned with the orthodoxy of their priestly training due to the [[New Left]] ideology which had infiltrated their seminaries.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> As a result, they sought out the recently retired Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, with the request that he adopt the task of overseeing their priestly formation. Originally reluctant to get involved, Archbishop Lefebvre was persuaded to relent, and later said that it would have been an abandonment of Church Tradition if he had ignored them. Thus, International Priestly Society of St. Pius X was unofficially created.

In 1970, the Bishop of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg, His Excellency Bishop Charriere, officially recognized the canonical validity of the new Society.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> At the same time, a group of Swiss laymen offered their property in Econe to the Archbishop as a seminary for future priests.

The canonical status was confirmed on February 18, 1971 by the prefect for the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal,<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> who praised the society's statutes and recognized it as an international Catholic society with the power to incardinate its clergy. Thus, the Society became legally recognized as a legitimate Catholic society, unable to be suppressed without a genuine reason or following strict canonical procedures.

==Strained Relations with Rome==

On June 10, 1971, Archbishop Lefebvre formally announces that he will not accept nor celebrate Pope Paul VI's Novus Ordo Mass, accusing it of being Protestant, based on the fact that six Protestant ministers collaborated in its creation,<ref>http://www.olrl.org/new_mass/evils.shtml</ref> and the fabrication of known Freemason Archbishop Annibal <ref>Bugnini.http://www.tanbooks.com/doct/vatican_liturgy.htm</ref> Archbishop Lefebvre would continue to voice these sentiments in denouncing the Novus Ordo Mass throughout the remainder of his life, often accusing it of being a 'bastard rite'.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914596-1,00.html</ref>
In response to Lefebvre's traditional Catholic stance, the French Episcopal Council denounced Econe as 'the wildcat seminary'.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_1.htm</ref>

In November 1974, two apostolic visitors from Rome arrive at Econe. Whilst speaking to the seminarians and teaching staff, they scandalise the faithful by giving support to contraception and ordination of married men. In response to this, Archbishop Lefebvre pens his Declaration, condemning Rome as 'neo-Modernist' and 'neo-Protestant', and pledging his allegiance to the traditional Catholic faith, regardless of what innovations Rome may espouse.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_I._declaration.htm</ref>

==Econe Consecrations==

His health failing, and fearing that his death may mark the end of the traditional Sacraments, Archbishop Lefebvre declared on February 2, 1988 that he intended to consecrate three Bishops, in order to keep the Sacraments of Confirmation and Ordination available to all Catholics. On hearing this news, Rome took the step of renewing negations with the Society and an agreement is reached on the May 5th, allowing the Society to become an approved Society of Apostolic Life and agreeing that one Society priest would be consecrated a Bishop at a time stated by Pope John Paul II. However, the Archbishop realised that no time limit was placed on Rome's assurances and, fearing that the agreement was a ploy to distract him until his death, announced that he would proceed with the Episcopal Consecrations on June 30, 1988.

On June 29, Rome made a last attempt to persuade the Archbishop not to continue with his intentions. A driver is sent to Econe and a promise is made that, if he returns to Rome with the driver, the Pope will personally speak to him and attempt to find another solution. The Archbishop refused.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On June 30, 1988, Archbishop Lefebre, alongside Brazilian Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer, consecrated four Bishops in the traditional rite of Consecration. The four priests consecrated were: Father Bernard Fellay, Father Richard Williamson, Father Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, and Father Alfonso de Galarreta. Before consecrating the men, Archbishop Lefebvre made it clear that he was not breaking with Rome, nor was he renouncing the Papacy of John Paul II. But he insisted that the Catholic Faith was not being voiced by Rome and, as a Bishop, he had a duty to preserve the Faith, whatever the cost. .<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On the 2nd July 1988, Pope John Paul II issued his Apostolic Letter 'Ecclesia Dei' in which he condemned the consecrations as 'unlawful', an act of 'disobedience' and, therefore, a 'schismatic act'.<ref>http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/motu_proprio/documents/hf_jp-ii_motu-proprio_02071988_ecclesia-dei_en.html</ref> As a result, the Pope claimed that the Archbishop and four new Bishops had automatically incurred the penalty of excommunication. However, the Pope did not formally excommunicate the five men, nor was he speaking ex cathedra but only as a private theologian. In either case according to the St Augustinian theory a bishop retains his power to ordain Priests and consecrate other bishops, even if excommunicated by the[[Roman_Catholic_Church | Roman Catholic Church]] so its bishops and priests are valid.

==The Society of St. Pius X Church in the 21st Century==
The Society of St. Pius X Church is governed by the [[Superior Religious order | Superior General]], who resides with his assistants, the Secretary General and the General Bursar, in the General House situated in Menzingen, Switzerland <ref>https://fsspx.org/en</ref>. SSPX is Organized into 14 districts worldwide similar to dioceses, each of which is entrusted to a local superior. Auxiliary bishops assist the districts. The USA is under one district a list of its churches can be found via this link <ref>https://sspx.org/en/list-sspx-chapels</ref>.

The Society has Priestly Seminaries in [[France]], [[Buenos Aires]] ([[Argentina]]) and other places.

==== Society of Saint Josaphat ====
The [[Traditional Catholic|Catholic Traditionalist]] of [[Roman Catholic Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)|Byzantine Rite]] assosiation, Priestly Society of Saint Josaphat (SSJK) which is associated with the Traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), its based on [[Lviv]], [[Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/es/news/ucrania-ordenaciones-para-la-fraternidad-san-josafat-19217|title=Ucrania: ordenaciones para la Fraternidad San Josafat|publisher=SSPX|language=es|date=5 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://infovaticana.com/2021/10/26/los-lefebvrianos-presumen-del-gran-numero-de-vocaciones-que-han-tenido-en-2021/|title=Los lefebvrianos presumen del gran número de vocaciones que han tenido en 2021|publisher=Info Vaticana|date=26 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sspx.au/en/news/interview-priest-society-saint-josaphat-war-ukraine-28055|title=An Interview with a Priest of the Society of Saint Josaphat on the War in Ukraine|date=17 July 2022|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/it/node/23067|title=Bishop de Galarreta Ordains Two Priests in Ukraine|date=6 December 2019|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Traditional Latin Mass]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Independent Catholic churches]]
*[[Biblical Canon]]

*[[Global Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
*[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox church]]
*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

==External links==
*[https://sspx.org/en Society of St. Pius X]
==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Catholic Church]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Queen of Sheba

2026-09-24T23:21:30Z

Cool6dad:

The '''Queen of Sheba''' was a wealthy ruler from the south who visited [[Solomon]] to test him with questions. As described in 1 Kings 10:1-13, the Queen of Sheba was satisfied with all of Solomon's answers and convinced about his great wisdom, and then gave him the equivalent of about 4 tons of gold in tribute.

The reference to the "Queen of the South" in Matthew 12:38-42 and Luke 11:31 is presumably a reference to the Queen of Sheba in the [[Old Testament]].<ref>http://www.keyway.ca/htm2001/20010822.htm</ref>

The Queen of Sheba is thought to have been from Sheba (Sabaʾ) in southwestern Arabia, in modern-day [[Yemen]]. Some traditions instead place her in the Kingdom of Axum ([[Ethiopia]]), so opinions vary.<ref>https://www.britannica.com/biography/Queen-of-Sheba</ref>

== References ==

<references/>

[[Category:Bible]]

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

2026-09-24T05:01:47Z

Cool6dad: /* Ark of the Covenant */

[[File:Ethiopian church 2 (1).jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event in the United States]]
The '''Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church''' became the state church of [[Ethiopia]] in the 4th century with the appointment of Abune Sellama as [[bishop]]. It traces its beginning to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, treasurer to the Candace, Queen of Ethiopia. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%208:26-39&version=KJV Acts 8:26-39.]

From the 4th century, beginning with Abune Sellama appointed as [[bishop]], the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church was always appointed by the [[Coptic Church|Coptic]] Patriarch of [[Alexandria]] in [[Egypt]]. The bishops who succeeded Abune Sellama were always Egyptian Copts. The Ethiopian Orthodox church was a part of the Coptic Orthodox church, and recognized the patriarchy of the [[Pope]] and Patriarch in [[Alexandria]] until 1959, when the Coptic Pope made the church an [[autocephalous]] church with its own patriarch; it remains part of the family of the [[Coptic Church]]. There are [[diocese]]s in the United States, Canada, and other nations<ref>https://allaboutethio.com/list-location-contact-ethiopian-tewahedo-orthodox-church-worldwide.html</ref>.
==Ark of the Covenant==
The Church claims to have the original [[ark of the covenant]] in Aksum at the Church of St. Mary of [[Zion]]. Not even the high priest of Aksum can enter its resting chamber. Its sole custodian is a virgin [[monk]] who cannot leave the [[sacred]] grounds until his death.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/story/where-is-the-ark-of-the-covenant </ref> 
The [[Queen of Sheba]]'s son is Menelik I, is said to have brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia after visiting his father, [[King Solomon]], in Jerusalem<ref>http://www.madote.com/2010/09/ethiopias-queen-of-sheba-and-ark-of.html</ref><ref>https://byfaith.org/2025/04/11/ark-of-the-covenant-ethiopia/</ref>.

==Ethiopian Church Calendar==
The chronology of the Ethiopian church follows the Era of [[Incarnation]] that is it dates from our Lord's birth; there is a difference of 7 or 8 years between the western and Ethiopian systems. Because the Ethiopian church holds that our Lord was born 5500 years after the creation of the world this gives the 7 or 8 years difference between the [[Gregorian Calendar|Gregorian]] and Ethiopian Chronologies.<ref>[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/calendar.html , " RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CALENDAR "]</ref> [[Bible]] scholars believe [[King Herod]] died in 4 BC which means Christ's birth occurred between 6 BC and 4 BC. This means the Ethiopian Calendar is probably closer to the correct year of [[Jesus]]'s birth than the Gregorian Calendar in use in most of the world.<ref>[https://catholicexchange.com/was-jesus-born-in-4-bc/ CE editors, “ Was Jesus Born in 4 BC?”]</ref><ref>Hope of Israel Ministries, “ Did Herod the "Great" Really Die In 4 B.C.? “ [https://www.hope-of-israel.org/herodsdeath.html]</ref>

==Bible Canon==

The canon of the Ethiopic Bible of the Orthodox Ethiopian Church as a whole differs both in the Old and New Testament from that of any other churches. The books written in the Geez language and on parchment are numerous. The Ethiopic Bible contains 46 books in the Old Testament and 35 books in the New Testament, making a biblical canon of 81 books. Including the books of Jublee and Enoch which are rarely included in other canons.
[[File:Ethiopian church 1 (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event taken in the United States]]
These are the following:
 A. '''The Holy Books of the Old Testament'''
 1. Genesis
 2. Exodus
 3. Leviticus
 4. Numbers
 5. Deuteronomy
 6. Joshua
 7. Judges
 8. Ruth
 9. I and II Samuel
 10. I and II Kings
 11. I Chronicles
 12. II Chronicles
 13. Jublee
 14. Enoch
 15. Ezra and Nehemia
 16. Ezra (2nd) and Ezra Sutuel
 17. Tobit
 18. Judith
 19. Esther
 20. I Maccabees
 21. II and III Maccabees
 22. Job
 23. Psalms
 24. Proverbs
 25. Tegsats (Reproof)
 26. Metsihafe Tibeb (the books of wisdom)
 27. Ecclesiastes
 28. The Song of Songs
 29. Isaiah
 30. Jeremiah
 31. Ezekiel
 32. Daniel
 33. Hosea
 34. Amos
 35. Micah
 36. Joel
 37. Obadiah
 38. Jonah
 39. Nahum
 40. Habakkuk
 41. Zephaniah
 42. Haggai
 43. Zechariah
 44. Malachi
 45. Book of Joshua the son of Sirac
 46. The Book of Josephas the Son of Bengorion

B. '''The holy books of the New Testament'''
 1. Matthew
 2. Mark
 3. Luke
 4. John
 5. The Acts
 6. Romans
 7. I Corinthians
 8. II Corinthians
 9. Galatians
 10. Ephesians
 11. Philippians
 12. Colossians
 13. I Thessalonians
 14. II Thessalonians
 15. I Timothy
 16. II Timothy
 17. Titus
 18. Philemon
 19. Hebrews
 20. I Peter
 21. II Peter
 22. I John
 23. II John
 24. III John
 25. James
 26. Jude
 27. Revelation
 28. Sirate Tsion (the book of order)
 29. Tizaz (the book of Herald)
 30. Gitsew
 31. Abtilis
 32. The I book of Dominos
 33. The II book of Dominos
 34. The book of Clement
 35. Didascalia

==See also==

*[[Coptic Church]]

*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

*[[Christianity]]

*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America | Christianity in North America, Caribbean]]
*[[Christianity in South America | Christianity in South America, Central America]]

==External links==
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/links.html Find Ethiopian Church Worldwide]
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/indexenglish.html Ethiopian Orthodox Church]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/ethiochurch/ History of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/history.html Ethiopian Church History]
* [http://www.dskmariam.org/artsandlitreature/litreature/pdf/doctorinoftheethiopianorthodoxchurch.pdf Doctrine of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/canonical/books.html Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Faith and Order: The Bible (list of books of the Bible)]
*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[https://copticchurch.net/ Coptic Church of America]

Music:

*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0754F048D18C7E9E Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church songs - video playlist], Video playlist

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

2026-09-24T04:59:21Z

Cool6dad: /* Ethiopian Church Calendar */

[[File:Ethiopian church 2 (1).jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event in the United States]]
The '''Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church''' became the state church of [[Ethiopia]] in the 4th century with the appointment of Abune Sellama as [[bishop]]. It traces its beginning to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, treasurer to the Candace, Queen of Ethiopia. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%208:26-39&version=KJV Acts 8:26-39.]

From the 4th century, beginning with Abune Sellama appointed as [[bishop]], the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church was always appointed by the [[Coptic Church|Coptic]] Patriarch of [[Alexandria]] in [[Egypt]]. The bishops who succeeded Abune Sellama were always Egyptian Copts. The Ethiopian Orthodox church was a part of the Coptic Orthodox church, and recognized the patriarchy of the [[Pope]] and Patriarch in [[Alexandria]] until 1959, when the Coptic Pope made the church an [[autocephalous]] church with its own patriarch; it remains part of the family of the [[Coptic Church]]. There are [[diocese]]s in the United States, Canada, and other nations<ref>https://allaboutethio.com/list-location-contact-ethiopian-tewahedo-orthodox-church-worldwide.html</ref>.
==Ark of the Covenant==
The Church claims to have the original [[ark of the covenant]] in Aksum at the Church of St. Mary of [[Zion]]. Not even the high priest of Aksum can enter its resting chamber. Its sole custodian is a virgin [[monk]] who cannot leave the [[sacred]] grounds until his death.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/story/where-is-the-ark-of-the-covenant </ref> 
The [[Queen of Sheba]]'s son is Menelik I, is said to have brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia after visiting his father, King Solomon, in Jerusalem<ref>http://www.madote.com/2010/09/ethiopias-queen-of-sheba-and-ark-of.html</ref><ref>https://byfaith.org/2025/04/11/ark-of-the-covenant-ethiopia/</ref>.

==Ethiopian Church Calendar==
The chronology of the Ethiopian church follows the Era of [[Incarnation]] that is it dates from our Lord's birth; there is a difference of 7 or 8 years between the western and Ethiopian systems. Because the Ethiopian church holds that our Lord was born 5500 years after the creation of the world this gives the 7 or 8 years difference between the [[Gregorian Calendar|Gregorian]] and Ethiopian Chronologies.<ref>[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/calendar.html , " RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CALENDAR "]</ref> [[Bible]] scholars believe [[King Herod]] died in 4 BC which means Christ's birth occurred between 6 BC and 4 BC. This means the Ethiopian Calendar is probably closer to the correct year of [[Jesus]]'s birth than the Gregorian Calendar in use in most of the world.<ref>[https://catholicexchange.com/was-jesus-born-in-4-bc/ CE editors, “ Was Jesus Born in 4 BC?”]</ref><ref>Hope of Israel Ministries, “ Did Herod the "Great" Really Die In 4 B.C.? “ [https://www.hope-of-israel.org/herodsdeath.html]</ref>

==Bible Canon==

The canon of the Ethiopic Bible of the Orthodox Ethiopian Church as a whole differs both in the Old and New Testament from that of any other churches. The books written in the Geez language and on parchment are numerous. The Ethiopic Bible contains 46 books in the Old Testament and 35 books in the New Testament, making a biblical canon of 81 books. Including the books of Jublee and Enoch which are rarely included in other canons.
[[File:Ethiopian church 1 (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event taken in the United States]]
These are the following:
 A. '''The Holy Books of the Old Testament'''
 1. Genesis
 2. Exodus
 3. Leviticus
 4. Numbers
 5. Deuteronomy
 6. Joshua
 7. Judges
 8. Ruth
 9. I and II Samuel
 10. I and II Kings
 11. I Chronicles
 12. II Chronicles
 13. Jublee
 14. Enoch
 15. Ezra and Nehemia
 16. Ezra (2nd) and Ezra Sutuel
 17. Tobit
 18. Judith
 19. Esther
 20. I Maccabees
 21. II and III Maccabees
 22. Job
 23. Psalms
 24. Proverbs
 25. Tegsats (Reproof)
 26. Metsihafe Tibeb (the books of wisdom)
 27. Ecclesiastes
 28. The Song of Songs
 29. Isaiah
 30. Jeremiah
 31. Ezekiel
 32. Daniel
 33. Hosea
 34. Amos
 35. Micah
 36. Joel
 37. Obadiah
 38. Jonah
 39. Nahum
 40. Habakkuk
 41. Zephaniah
 42. Haggai
 43. Zechariah
 44. Malachi
 45. Book of Joshua the son of Sirac
 46. The Book of Josephas the Son of Bengorion

B. '''The holy books of the New Testament'''
 1. Matthew
 2. Mark
 3. Luke
 4. John
 5. The Acts
 6. Romans
 7. I Corinthians
 8. II Corinthians
 9. Galatians
 10. Ephesians
 11. Philippians
 12. Colossians
 13. I Thessalonians
 14. II Thessalonians
 15. I Timothy
 16. II Timothy
 17. Titus
 18. Philemon
 19. Hebrews
 20. I Peter
 21. II Peter
 22. I John
 23. II John
 24. III John
 25. James
 26. Jude
 27. Revelation
 28. Sirate Tsion (the book of order)
 29. Tizaz (the book of Herald)
 30. Gitsew
 31. Abtilis
 32. The I book of Dominos
 33. The II book of Dominos
 34. The book of Clement
 35. Didascalia

==See also==

*[[Coptic Church]]

*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

*[[Christianity]]

*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America | Christianity in North America, Caribbean]]
*[[Christianity in South America | Christianity in South America, Central America]]

==External links==
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/links.html Find Ethiopian Church Worldwide]
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/indexenglish.html Ethiopian Orthodox Church]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/ethiochurch/ History of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/history.html Ethiopian Church History]
* [http://www.dskmariam.org/artsandlitreature/litreature/pdf/doctorinoftheethiopianorthodoxchurch.pdf Doctrine of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/canonical/books.html Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Faith and Order: The Bible (list of books of the Bible)]
*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[https://copticchurch.net/ Coptic Church of America]

Music:

*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0754F048D18C7E9E Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church songs - video playlist], Video playlist

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

2026-09-24T04:58:46Z

Cool6dad: /* Ark of the Covenant */

[[File:Ethiopian church 2 (1).jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event in the United States]]
The '''Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church''' became the state church of [[Ethiopia]] in the 4th century with the appointment of Abune Sellama as [[bishop]]. It traces its beginning to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, treasurer to the Candace, Queen of Ethiopia. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%208:26-39&version=KJV Acts 8:26-39.]

From the 4th century, beginning with Abune Sellama appointed as [[bishop]], the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church was always appointed by the [[Coptic Church|Coptic]] Patriarch of [[Alexandria]] in [[Egypt]]. The bishops who succeeded Abune Sellama were always Egyptian Copts. The Ethiopian Orthodox church was a part of the Coptic Orthodox church, and recognized the patriarchy of the [[Pope]] and Patriarch in [[Alexandria]] until 1959, when the Coptic Pope made the church an [[autocephalous]] church with its own patriarch; it remains part of the family of the [[Coptic Church]]. There are [[diocese]]s in the United States, Canada, and other nations<ref>https://allaboutethio.com/list-location-contact-ethiopian-tewahedo-orthodox-church-worldwide.html</ref>.
==Ark of the Covenant==
The Church claims to have the original [[ark of the covenant]] in Aksum at the Church of St. Mary of [[Zion]]. Not even the high priest of Aksum can enter its resting chamber. Its sole custodian is a virgin [[monk]] who cannot leave the [[sacred]] grounds until his death.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/story/where-is-the-ark-of-the-covenant </ref> 
The [[Queen of Sheba]]'s son is Menelik I, is said to have brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia after visiting his father, King Solomon, in Jerusalem<ref>http://www.madote.com/2010/09/ethiopias-queen-of-sheba-and-ark-of.html</ref><ref>https://byfaith.org/2025/04/11/ark-of-the-covenant-ethiopia/</ref>.

==Ethiopian Church Calendar==

==Bible Canon==

The canon of the Ethiopic Bible of the Orthodox Ethiopian Church as a whole differs both in the Old and New Testament from that of any other churches. The books written in the Geez language and on parchment are numerous. The Ethiopic Bible contains 46 books in the Old Testament and 35 books in the New Testament, making a biblical canon of 81 books. Including the books of Jublee and Enoch which are rarely included in other canons.
[[File:Ethiopian church 1 (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event taken in the United States]]
These are the following:
 A. '''The Holy Books of the Old Testament'''
 1. Genesis
 2. Exodus
 3. Leviticus
 4. Numbers
 5. Deuteronomy
 6. Joshua
 7. Judges
 8. Ruth
 9. I and II Samuel
 10. I and II Kings
 11. I Chronicles
 12. II Chronicles
 13. Jublee
 14. Enoch
 15. Ezra and Nehemia
 16. Ezra (2nd) and Ezra Sutuel
 17. Tobit
 18. Judith
 19. Esther
 20. I Maccabees
 21. II and III Maccabees
 22. Job
 23. Psalms
 24. Proverbs
 25. Tegsats (Reproof)
 26. Metsihafe Tibeb (the books of wisdom)
 27. Ecclesiastes
 28. The Song of Songs
 29. Isaiah
 30. Jeremiah
 31. Ezekiel
 32. Daniel
 33. Hosea
 34. Amos
 35. Micah
 36. Joel
 37. Obadiah
 38. Jonah
 39. Nahum
 40. Habakkuk
 41. Zephaniah
 42. Haggai
 43. Zechariah
 44. Malachi
 45. Book of Joshua the son of Sirac
 46. The Book of Josephas the Son of Bengorion

B. '''The holy books of the New Testament'''
 1. Matthew
 2. Mark
 3. Luke
 4. John
 5. The Acts
 6. Romans
 7. I Corinthians
 8. II Corinthians
 9. Galatians
 10. Ephesians
 11. Philippians
 12. Colossians
 13. I Thessalonians
 14. II Thessalonians
 15. I Timothy
 16. II Timothy
 17. Titus
 18. Philemon
 19. Hebrews
 20. I Peter
 21. II Peter
 22. I John
 23. II John
 24. III John
 25. James
 26. Jude
 27. Revelation
 28. Sirate Tsion (the book of order)
 29. Tizaz (the book of Herald)
 30. Gitsew
 31. Abtilis
 32. The I book of Dominos
 33. The II book of Dominos
 34. The book of Clement
 35. Didascalia

==See also==

*[[Coptic Church]]

*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

*[[Christianity]]

*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America | Christianity in North America, Caribbean]]
*[[Christianity in South America | Christianity in South America, Central America]]

==External links==
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/links.html Find Ethiopian Church Worldwide]
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/indexenglish.html Ethiopian Orthodox Church]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/ethiochurch/ History of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/history.html Ethiopian Church History]
* [http://www.dskmariam.org/artsandlitreature/litreature/pdf/doctorinoftheethiopianorthodoxchurch.pdf Doctrine of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/canonical/books.html Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Faith and Order: The Bible (list of books of the Bible)]
*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[https://copticchurch.net/ Coptic Church of America]

Music:

*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0754F048D18C7E9E Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church songs - video playlist], Video playlist

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

2026-09-24T04:58:10Z

Cool6dad: /* Ark of the Covenant */

[[File:Ethiopian church 2 (1).jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event in the United States]]
The '''Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church''' became the state church of [[Ethiopia]] in the 4th century with the appointment of Abune Sellama as [[bishop]]. It traces its beginning to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, treasurer to the Candace, Queen of Ethiopia. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%208:26-39&version=KJV Acts 8:26-39.]

From the 4th century, beginning with Abune Sellama appointed as [[bishop]], the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church was always appointed by the [[Coptic Church|Coptic]] Patriarch of [[Alexandria]] in [[Egypt]]. The bishops who succeeded Abune Sellama were always Egyptian Copts. The Ethiopian Orthodox church was a part of the Coptic Orthodox church, and recognized the patriarchy of the [[Pope]] and Patriarch in [[Alexandria]] until 1959, when the Coptic Pope made the church an [[autocephalous]] church with its own patriarch; it remains part of the family of the [[Coptic Church]]. There are [[diocese]]s in the United States, Canada, and other nations<ref>https://allaboutethio.com/list-location-contact-ethiopian-tewahedo-orthodox-church-worldwide.html</ref>.
==Ark of the Covenant==
The Church claims to have the original [[ark of the covenant]] in Aksum at the Church of St. Mary of [[Zion]]. Not even the high priest of Aksum can enter its resting chamber. Its sole custodian is a virgin [[monk]] who cannot leave the [[sacred]] grounds until his death.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/story/where-is-the-ark-of-the-covenant </ref> 
The [[Queen of Sheba]]'s son is Menelik I, is said to have brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia after visiting his father, King Solomon, in Jerusalem<ref>http://www.madote.com/2010/09/ethiopias-queen-of-sheba-and-ark-of.html</ref><ref>https://byfaith.org/2025/04/11/ark-of-the-covenant-ethiopia/<ref>.

==Ethiopian Church Calendar==

==Bible Canon==

The canon of the Ethiopic Bible of the Orthodox Ethiopian Church as a whole differs both in the Old and New Testament from that of any other churches. The books written in the Geez language and on parchment are numerous. The Ethiopic Bible contains 46 books in the Old Testament and 35 books in the New Testament, making a biblical canon of 81 books. Including the books of Jublee and Enoch which are rarely included in other canons.
[[File:Ethiopian church 1 (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event taken in the United States]]
These are the following:
 A. '''The Holy Books of the Old Testament'''
 1. Genesis
 2. Exodus
 3. Leviticus
 4. Numbers
 5. Deuteronomy
 6. Joshua
 7. Judges
 8. Ruth
 9. I and II Samuel
 10. I and II Kings
 11. I Chronicles
 12. II Chronicles
 13. Jublee
 14. Enoch
 15. Ezra and Nehemia
 16. Ezra (2nd) and Ezra Sutuel
 17. Tobit
 18. Judith
 19. Esther
 20. I Maccabees
 21. II and III Maccabees
 22. Job
 23. Psalms
 24. Proverbs
 25. Tegsats (Reproof)
 26. Metsihafe Tibeb (the books of wisdom)
 27. Ecclesiastes
 28. The Song of Songs
 29. Isaiah
 30. Jeremiah
 31. Ezekiel
 32. Daniel
 33. Hosea
 34. Amos
 35. Micah
 36. Joel
 37. Obadiah
 38. Jonah
 39. Nahum
 40. Habakkuk
 41. Zephaniah
 42. Haggai
 43. Zechariah
 44. Malachi
 45. Book of Joshua the son of Sirac
 46. The Book of Josephas the Son of Bengorion

B. '''The holy books of the New Testament'''
 1. Matthew
 2. Mark
 3. Luke
 4. John
 5. The Acts
 6. Romans
 7. I Corinthians
 8. II Corinthians
 9. Galatians
 10. Ephesians
 11. Philippians
 12. Colossians
 13. I Thessalonians
 14. II Thessalonians
 15. I Timothy
 16. II Timothy
 17. Titus
 18. Philemon
 19. Hebrews
 20. I Peter
 21. II Peter
 22. I John
 23. II John
 24. III John
 25. James
 26. Jude
 27. Revelation
 28. Sirate Tsion (the book of order)
 29. Tizaz (the book of Herald)
 30. Gitsew
 31. Abtilis
 32. The I book of Dominos
 33. The II book of Dominos
 34. The book of Clement
 35. Didascalia

==See also==

*[[Coptic Church]]

*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

*[[Christianity]]

*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America | Christianity in North America, Caribbean]]
*[[Christianity in South America | Christianity in South America, Central America]]

==External links==
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/links.html Find Ethiopian Church Worldwide]
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/indexenglish.html Ethiopian Orthodox Church]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/ethiochurch/ History of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/history.html Ethiopian Church History]
* [http://www.dskmariam.org/artsandlitreature/litreature/pdf/doctorinoftheethiopianorthodoxchurch.pdf Doctrine of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/canonical/books.html Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Faith and Order: The Bible (list of books of the Bible)]
*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[https://copticchurch.net/ Coptic Church of America]

Music:

*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0754F048D18C7E9E Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church songs - video playlist], Video playlist

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

2026-09-24T04:56:19Z

Cool6dad: /* Ark of the Covenant */

[[File:Ethiopian church 2 (1).jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event in the United States]]
The '''Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church''' became the state church of [[Ethiopia]] in the 4th century with the appointment of Abune Sellama as [[bishop]]. It traces its beginning to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, treasurer to the Candace, Queen of Ethiopia. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%208:26-39&version=KJV Acts 8:26-39.]

From the 4th century, beginning with Abune Sellama appointed as [[bishop]], the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church was always appointed by the [[Coptic Church|Coptic]] Patriarch of [[Alexandria]] in [[Egypt]]. The bishops who succeeded Abune Sellama were always Egyptian Copts. The Ethiopian Orthodox church was a part of the Coptic Orthodox church, and recognized the patriarchy of the [[Pope]] and Patriarch in [[Alexandria]] until 1959, when the Coptic Pope made the church an [[autocephalous]] church with its own patriarch; it remains part of the family of the [[Coptic Church]]. There are [[diocese]]s in the United States, Canada, and other nations<ref>https://allaboutethio.com/list-location-contact-ethiopian-tewahedo-orthodox-church-worldwide.html</ref>.
==Ark of the Covenant==
The Church claims to have the original [[ark of the covenant]] in Aksum at the Church of St. Mary of [[Zion]]. Not even the high priest of Aksum can enter its resting chamber. Its sole custodian is a virgin [[monk]] who cannot leave the [[sacred]] grounds until his death.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/story/where-is-the-ark-of-the-covenant </ref> 
The [[Queen of Sheba]]'s son is Menelik I, is said to have brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia after visiting his father, King Solomon, in Jerusalem<ref>http://www.madote.com/2010/09/ethiopias-queen-of-sheba-and-ark-of.html</ref><ref>https://byfaith.org/2025/04/11/ark-of-the-covenant-ethiopia/<ref>.

==Ethiopian Church Calendar==
The chronology of the Ethiopian church follows the Era of [[Incarnation]] that is it dates from our Lord's birth; there is a difference of 7 or 8 years between the western and Ethiopian systems. Because the Ethiopian church holds that our Lord was born 5500 years after the creation of the world this gives the 7 or 8 years difference between the [[Gregorian Calendar|Gregorian]] and Ethiopian Chronologies.<ref>[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/calendar.html , " RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CALENDAR "]</ref> [[Bible]] scholars believe [[King Herod]] died in 4 BC which means Christ's birth occurred between 6 BC and 4 BC. This means the Ethiopian Calendar is probably closer to the correct year of [[Jesus]]'s birth than the Gregorian Calendar in use in most of the world.<ref>[https://catholicexchange.com/was-jesus-born-in-4-bc/ CE editors, “ Was Jesus Born in 4 BC?”]</ref><ref>Hope of Israel Ministries, “ Did Herod the "Great" Really Die In 4 B.C.? “ [https://www.hope-of-israel.org/herodsdeath.html]</ref>

==Bible Canon==

The canon of the Ethiopic Bible of the Orthodox Ethiopian Church as a whole differs both in the Old and New Testament from that of any other churches. The books written in the Geez language and on parchment are numerous. The Ethiopic Bible contains 46 books in the Old Testament and 35 books in the New Testament, making a biblical canon of 81 books. Including the books of Jublee and Enoch which are rarely included in other canons.
[[File:Ethiopian church 1 (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event taken in the United States]]
These are the following:
 A. '''The Holy Books of the Old Testament'''
 1. Genesis
 2. Exodus
 3. Leviticus
 4. Numbers
 5. Deuteronomy
 6. Joshua
 7. Judges
 8. Ruth
 9. I and II Samuel
 10. I and II Kings
 11. I Chronicles
 12. II Chronicles
 13. Jublee
 14. Enoch
 15. Ezra and Nehemia
 16. Ezra (2nd) and Ezra Sutuel
 17. Tobit
 18. Judith
 19. Esther
 20. I Maccabees
 21. II and III Maccabees
 22. Job
 23. Psalms
 24. Proverbs
 25. Tegsats (Reproof)
 26. Metsihafe Tibeb (the books of wisdom)
 27. Ecclesiastes
 28. The Song of Songs
 29. Isaiah
 30. Jeremiah
 31. Ezekiel
 32. Daniel
 33. Hosea
 34. Amos
 35. Micah
 36. Joel
 37. Obadiah
 38. Jonah
 39. Nahum
 40. Habakkuk
 41. Zephaniah
 42. Haggai
 43. Zechariah
 44. Malachi
 45. Book of Joshua the son of Sirac
 46. The Book of Josephas the Son of Bengorion

B. '''The holy books of the New Testament'''
 1. Matthew
 2. Mark
 3. Luke
 4. John
 5. The Acts
 6. Romans
 7. I Corinthians
 8. II Corinthians
 9. Galatians
 10. Ephesians
 11. Philippians
 12. Colossians
 13. I Thessalonians
 14. II Thessalonians
 15. I Timothy
 16. II Timothy
 17. Titus
 18. Philemon
 19. Hebrews
 20. I Peter
 21. II Peter
 22. I John
 23. II John
 24. III John
 25. James
 26. Jude
 27. Revelation
 28. Sirate Tsion (the book of order)
 29. Tizaz (the book of Herald)
 30. Gitsew
 31. Abtilis
 32. The I book of Dominos
 33. The II book of Dominos
 34. The book of Clement
 35. Didascalia

==See also==

*[[Coptic Church]]

*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

*[[Christianity]]

*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America | Christianity in North America, Caribbean]]
*[[Christianity in South America | Christianity in South America, Central America]]

==External links==
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/links.html Find Ethiopian Church Worldwide]
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/indexenglish.html Ethiopian Orthodox Church]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/ethiochurch/ History of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/history.html Ethiopian Church History]
* [http://www.dskmariam.org/artsandlitreature/litreature/pdf/doctorinoftheethiopianorthodoxchurch.pdf Doctrine of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/canonical/books.html Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Faith and Order: The Bible (list of books of the Bible)]
*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[https://copticchurch.net/ Coptic Church of America]

Music:

*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0754F048D18C7E9E Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church songs - video playlist], Video playlist

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

2026-09-24T04:55:20Z

Cool6dad: /* Ark of the Covenant */

[[File:Ethiopian church 2 (1).jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event in the United States]]
The '''Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church''' became the state church of [[Ethiopia]] in the 4th century with the appointment of Abune Sellama as [[bishop]]. It traces its beginning to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, treasurer to the Candace, Queen of Ethiopia. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%208:26-39&version=KJV Acts 8:26-39.]

From the 4th century, beginning with Abune Sellama appointed as [[bishop]], the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church was always appointed by the [[Coptic Church|Coptic]] Patriarch of [[Alexandria]] in [[Egypt]]. The bishops who succeeded Abune Sellama were always Egyptian Copts. The Ethiopian Orthodox church was a part of the Coptic Orthodox church, and recognized the patriarchy of the [[Pope]] and Patriarch in [[Alexandria]] until 1959, when the Coptic Pope made the church an [[autocephalous]] church with its own patriarch; it remains part of the family of the [[Coptic Church]]. There are [[diocese]]s in the United States, Canada, and other nations<ref>https://allaboutethio.com/list-location-contact-ethiopian-tewahedo-orthodox-church-worldwide.html</ref>.
==Ark of the Covenant==
The Church claims to have the original [[ark of the covenant]] in Aksum at the Church of St. Mary of [[Zion]]. Not even the high priest of Aksum can enter its resting chamber. Its sole custodian is a virgin [[monk]] who cannot leave the [[sacred]] grounds until his death.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/story/where-is-the-ark-of-the-covenant britannica, " Where Is the Ark of the Covenant? "]</ref> 
The [[Queen of Sheba]]'s son is Menelik I, is said to have brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia after visiting his father, King Solomon, in Jerusalem<ref>http://www.madote.com/2010/09/ethiopias-queen-of-sheba-and-ark-of.html</ref><ref>https://byfaith.org/2025/04/11/ark-of-the-covenant-ethiopia/<ref>.

==Ethiopian Church Calendar==
The chronology of the Ethiopian church follows the Era of [[Incarnation]] that is it dates from our Lord's birth; there is a difference of 7 or 8 years between the western and Ethiopian systems. Because the Ethiopian church holds that our Lord was born 5500 years after the creation of the world this gives the 7 or 8 years difference between the [[Gregorian Calendar|Gregorian]] and Ethiopian Chronologies.<ref>[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/calendar.html , " RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CALENDAR "]</ref> [[Bible]] scholars believe [[King Herod]] died in 4 BC which means Christ's birth occurred between 6 BC and 4 BC. This means the Ethiopian Calendar is probably closer to the correct year of [[Jesus]]'s birth than the Gregorian Calendar in use in most of the world.<ref>[https://catholicexchange.com/was-jesus-born-in-4-bc/ CE editors, “ Was Jesus Born in 4 BC?”]</ref><ref>Hope of Israel Ministries, “ Did Herod the "Great" Really Die In 4 B.C.? “ [https://www.hope-of-israel.org/herodsdeath.html]</ref>

==Bible Canon==

The canon of the Ethiopic Bible of the Orthodox Ethiopian Church as a whole differs both in the Old and New Testament from that of any other churches. The books written in the Geez language and on parchment are numerous. The Ethiopic Bible contains 46 books in the Old Testament and 35 books in the New Testament, making a biblical canon of 81 books. Including the books of Jublee and Enoch which are rarely included in other canons.
[[File:Ethiopian church 1 (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event taken in the United States]]
These are the following:
 A. '''The Holy Books of the Old Testament'''
 1. Genesis
 2. Exodus
 3. Leviticus
 4. Numbers
 5. Deuteronomy
 6. Joshua
 7. Judges
 8. Ruth
 9. I and II Samuel
 10. I and II Kings
 11. I Chronicles
 12. II Chronicles
 13. Jublee
 14. Enoch
 15. Ezra and Nehemia
 16. Ezra (2nd) and Ezra Sutuel
 17. Tobit
 18. Judith
 19. Esther
 20. I Maccabees
 21. II and III Maccabees
 22. Job
 23. Psalms
 24. Proverbs
 25. Tegsats (Reproof)
 26. Metsihafe Tibeb (the books of wisdom)
 27. Ecclesiastes
 28. The Song of Songs
 29. Isaiah
 30. Jeremiah
 31. Ezekiel
 32. Daniel
 33. Hosea
 34. Amos
 35. Micah
 36. Joel
 37. Obadiah
 38. Jonah
 39. Nahum
 40. Habakkuk
 41. Zephaniah
 42. Haggai
 43. Zechariah
 44. Malachi
 45. Book of Joshua the son of Sirac
 46. The Book of Josephas the Son of Bengorion

B. '''The holy books of the New Testament'''
 1. Matthew
 2. Mark
 3. Luke
 4. John
 5. The Acts
 6. Romans
 7. I Corinthians
 8. II Corinthians
 9. Galatians
 10. Ephesians
 11. Philippians
 12. Colossians
 13. I Thessalonians
 14. II Thessalonians
 15. I Timothy
 16. II Timothy
 17. Titus
 18. Philemon
 19. Hebrews
 20. I Peter
 21. II Peter
 22. I John
 23. II John
 24. III John
 25. James
 26. Jude
 27. Revelation
 28. Sirate Tsion (the book of order)
 29. Tizaz (the book of Herald)
 30. Gitsew
 31. Abtilis
 32. The I book of Dominos
 33. The II book of Dominos
 34. The book of Clement
 35. Didascalia

==See also==

*[[Coptic Church]]

*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

*[[Christianity]]

*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America | Christianity in North America, Caribbean]]
*[[Christianity in South America | Christianity in South America, Central America]]

==External links==
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/links.html Find Ethiopian Church Worldwide]
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/indexenglish.html Ethiopian Orthodox Church]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/ethiochurch/ History of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/history.html Ethiopian Church History]
* [http://www.dskmariam.org/artsandlitreature/litreature/pdf/doctorinoftheethiopianorthodoxchurch.pdf Doctrine of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/canonical/books.html Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Faith and Order: The Bible (list of books of the Bible)]
*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[https://copticchurch.net/ Coptic Church of America]

Music:

*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0754F048D18C7E9E Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church songs - video playlist], Video playlist

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

2026-09-24T04:54:12Z

Cool6dad: /* Ark of the Covenant */

[[File:Ethiopian church 2 (1).jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event in the United States]]
The '''Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church''' became the state church of [[Ethiopia]] in the 4th century with the appointment of Abune Sellama as [[bishop]]. It traces its beginning to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, treasurer to the Candace, Queen of Ethiopia. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%208:26-39&version=KJV Acts 8:26-39.]

From the 4th century, beginning with Abune Sellama appointed as [[bishop]], the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church was always appointed by the [[Coptic Church|Coptic]] Patriarch of [[Alexandria]] in [[Egypt]]. The bishops who succeeded Abune Sellama were always Egyptian Copts. The Ethiopian Orthodox church was a part of the Coptic Orthodox church, and recognized the patriarchy of the [[Pope]] and Patriarch in [[Alexandria]] until 1959, when the Coptic Pope made the church an [[autocephalous]] church with its own patriarch; it remains part of the family of the [[Coptic Church]]. There are [[diocese]]s in the United States, Canada, and other nations<ref>https://allaboutethio.com/list-location-contact-ethiopian-tewahedo-orthodox-church-worldwide.html</ref>.
==Ark of the Covenant==
The Church claims to have the original [[ark of the covenant]] in Aksum at the Church of St. Mary of [[Zion]]. Not even the high priest of Aksum can enter its resting chamber. Its sole custodian is a virgin [[monk]] who cannot leave the [[sacred]] grounds until his death.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/story/where-is-the-ark-of-the-covenant britannica, " Where Is the Ark of the Covenant? "]</ref>
The [[Queen of Sheba]]'s son is Menelik I, is said to have brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia after visiting his father, King Solomon, in Jerusalem<ref>http://www.madote.com/2010/09/ethiopias-queen-of-sheba-and-ark-of.html</ref><ref>https://byfaith.org/2025/04/11/ark-of-the-covenant-ethiopia/<ref>.

==Ethiopian Church Calendar==
The chronology of the Ethiopian church follows the Era of [[Incarnation]] that is it dates from our Lord's birth; there is a difference of 7 or 8 years between the western and Ethiopian systems. Because the Ethiopian church holds that our Lord was born 5500 years after the creation of the world this gives the 7 or 8 years difference between the [[Gregorian Calendar|Gregorian]] and Ethiopian Chronologies.<ref>[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/calendar.html , " RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CALENDAR "]</ref> [[Bible]] scholars believe [[King Herod]] died in 4 BC which means Christ's birth occurred between 6 BC and 4 BC. This means the Ethiopian Calendar is probably closer to the correct year of [[Jesus]]'s birth than the Gregorian Calendar in use in most of the world.<ref>[https://catholicexchange.com/was-jesus-born-in-4-bc/ CE editors, “ Was Jesus Born in 4 BC?”]</ref><ref>Hope of Israel Ministries, “ Did Herod the "Great" Really Die In 4 B.C.? “ [https://www.hope-of-israel.org/herodsdeath.html]</ref>

==Bible Canon==

The canon of the Ethiopic Bible of the Orthodox Ethiopian Church as a whole differs both in the Old and New Testament from that of any other churches. The books written in the Geez language and on parchment are numerous. The Ethiopic Bible contains 46 books in the Old Testament and 35 books in the New Testament, making a biblical canon of 81 books. Including the books of Jublee and Enoch which are rarely included in other canons.
[[File:Ethiopian church 1 (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church event taken in the United States]]
These are the following:
 A. '''The Holy Books of the Old Testament'''
 1. Genesis
 2. Exodus
 3. Leviticus
 4. Numbers
 5. Deuteronomy
 6. Joshua
 7. Judges
 8. Ruth
 9. I and II Samuel
 10. I and II Kings
 11. I Chronicles
 12. II Chronicles
 13. Jublee
 14. Enoch
 15. Ezra and Nehemia
 16. Ezra (2nd) and Ezra Sutuel
 17. Tobit
 18. Judith
 19. Esther
 20. I Maccabees
 21. II and III Maccabees
 22. Job
 23. Psalms
 24. Proverbs
 25. Tegsats (Reproof)
 26. Metsihafe Tibeb (the books of wisdom)
 27. Ecclesiastes
 28. The Song of Songs
 29. Isaiah
 30. Jeremiah
 31. Ezekiel
 32. Daniel
 33. Hosea
 34. Amos
 35. Micah
 36. Joel
 37. Obadiah
 38. Jonah
 39. Nahum
 40. Habakkuk
 41. Zephaniah
 42. Haggai
 43. Zechariah
 44. Malachi
 45. Book of Joshua the son of Sirac
 46. The Book of Josephas the Son of Bengorion

B. '''The holy books of the New Testament'''
 1. Matthew
 2. Mark
 3. Luke
 4. John
 5. The Acts
 6. Romans
 7. I Corinthians
 8. II Corinthians
 9. Galatians
 10. Ephesians
 11. Philippians
 12. Colossians
 13. I Thessalonians
 14. II Thessalonians
 15. I Timothy
 16. II Timothy
 17. Titus
 18. Philemon
 19. Hebrews
 20. I Peter
 21. II Peter
 22. I John
 23. II John
 24. III John
 25. James
 26. Jude
 27. Revelation
 28. Sirate Tsion (the book of order)
 29. Tizaz (the book of Herald)
 30. Gitsew
 31. Abtilis
 32. The I book of Dominos
 33. The II book of Dominos
 34. The book of Clement
 35. Didascalia

==See also==

*[[Coptic Church]]

*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

*[[Christianity]]

*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America | Christianity in North America, Caribbean]]
*[[Christianity in South America | Christianity in South America, Central America]]

==External links==
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/links.html Find Ethiopian Church Worldwide]
*[http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/indexenglish.html Ethiopian Orthodox Church]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/ethiochurch/ History of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/history.html Ethiopian Church History]
* [http://www.dskmariam.org/artsandlitreature/litreature/pdf/doctorinoftheethiopianorthodoxchurch.pdf Doctrine of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]
* [http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/canonical/books.html Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Faith and Order: The Bible (list of books of the Bible)]
*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[https://copticchurch.net/ Coptic Church of America]

Music:

*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0754F048D18C7E9E Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church songs - video playlist], Video playlist

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Ethiopia

2026-09-24T04:28:55Z

Cool6dad: /* History */

{{Country
|name =የኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፐብሊክ ''ye-Ītyōpiyā Fēdēralāwī Dīmōkrāsīyāwī Rīpeblīk''
|map =Ethiopia rel99.jpg
|map2 =Location of Ethiopia.png
|flag =Flag of Ethiopia.png
|arms =Arms of Ethiopia.png
|capital =Addis Ababa
|capital-raw =
|government =Federal Parliamentary Republic
|government-raw =
|language =Amharic
|king =
|queen =
|monarch-raw =
|president =Sahle-Work Zewde
|president-raw =
|chancellor =
|chancellor-raw =
|pm =Abiy Ahmed
|pm-raw =
|area =426,371 sq mi
|pop =115,000,000 (2020)
|pop-basis =
|gdp =$95,000,000,000 (2020)
|gdp-year =
|gdp-pc =$826 (2020)
|currency =Birr
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}}
The '''Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia''' is an [[African]] [[country]] bordering [[Sudan]], [[Eritrea]], [[Kenya]] and [[Somalia]]. Except for the Italian occupation of 1936-1941, Ethiopia is the only African country to never have been colonised by a European imperialist power.,<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/et.html CIA World Fact Book]</ref> and is one of the oldest [[Christian]] nations on Earth. A bloody border dispute with [[Eritrea]] following that country's secession in 1991 has claimed many lives, and the country has experienced several [[famine]]s in the past century. Perhaps most notable of these is the 1974 famine that led to the [[Marxist]] ouster of Emperor [[Haile Selassie]] and the 1984-1985 famine that inspired [[Bob Geldof]] to begin the Band-Aid/Live Aid project. The nation's capital is Addis Ababa.

==Geography==
Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa and is bordered on the north and northeast by Eritrea, on the east by Djibouti and Somalia, on the south by Kenya, and the west and southwest by Sudan. The country has a high central plateau that varies from 1,800 to 3,000 meters (6,000 ft.-10,000 ft.) above sea level, with some mountains reaching 4,620 meters (15,158 ft.). The elevation is generally highest just before the point of descent to the Great Rift Valley, which splits the plateau diagonally. Several rivers cross the plateau—notably the Blue Nile flowing from Lake Tana. The plateau gradually slopes to the lowlands of Sudan on the west and the Somali-inhabited plains to the southeast.

The climate is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. At Addis Ababa, which ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 meters (7,000 ft.-8,500 ft.), maximum temperature is 26o C (80o F) and minimum 4o C (40o F). The weather is usually sunny and dry with the short (belg) rains occurring February–April and the big (meher) rains beginning in mid-June and ending in mid-September.

==People==
[[File:People of Ethiopia.jpg|left|230px]]
Ethiopia's population is highly diverse. Most of its people speak a Semitic or Cush itic language. The Oromo, Amhara, and Tigreans make up more than three-fourths of the population, but there are more than 77 different ethnic groups with their own distinct languages within Ethiopia. Some of these have as few as 10,000 members. In general, most of the Christians live in the highlands, while Muslims and adherents of traditional African religions tend to inhabit lowland regions. English is the most widely spoken foreign language and is taught in all secondary schools. Amharic is the official language and was the language of primary school instruction but has been replaced in many areas by local languages such as Oromifa and Tigrinya.
*Population (2006 est.): 77 million.
*Annual growth rate: 2.7%.
*Ethnic groups (est.): Oromo 40%, Amhara 25%, Tigre 7%, Somali 6%, Sidama 9%, Gurage 2%, Wolaita 4%, Afar 4%, other nationalities 3%.
*Religions (est.): Ethiopian Orthodox Christian 40%, Sunni Muslim 45-50%, Protestant 5%, remainder indigenous beliefs.
*Languages: Amharic (official), Tigrinya, Arabic, Guaragigna, Oromigna, English, Somali.
*Education: Years compulsory—none. Attendance (elementary) 57%. Literacy—43%.
*Health: Infant mortality rate—93/1,000 live births.
*Workforce: Agriculture—80%. Industry and commerce—20%.

===Religion===
An estimated 40 to 45% of the population of 77 million belongs to the [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox Church]] (EOC), which is predominant in the northern regions of Tigray and Amhara. Approximately 45% of the population is Sunni Muslim, of which the overwhelming majority is Sufi. Islam is most prevalent in the eastern Somali and Afar regions, as well as in many parts of Oromiya.

Christian [[evangelical]] and [[Pentecostal]] groups constitute an estimated 10% of the population. Established Protestant churches such as Mekane Yesus and the Kale Hiwot are strongest in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Regional State (SNNPR); western and central Oromiya; and in urban areas. In the Gambella region, Mekane Yesus followers represent 60 per cent of the population. The Evangelical Church Fellowship claims 23 denominations under its religious umbrella throughout the country.

There are small numbers of Oriental Rite and Latin Rite Roman Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, animists, and practitioners of traditional indigenous religions.

The country has a small Falash Mura community. Falash Mura are being processed for immigration to Israel, and the number remaining is dwindling rapidly. The Israeli Government is expected to finalize the immigration of the remaining Falash Mura in 2008. Many additional individuals claiming to be Falash Mura are also seeking immigration to Israel, but many appear to be economic immigrants rather than genuine Falash Mura. The Government is cooperating with the Government of Israel to facilitate the emigration of the remaining Falash Mura community.

The Government banned the formation of political parties based on religion. There are no religious political parties in the country.

Minority religious groups have complained of discrimination in the allocation of government land for religious sites. Protestants reported inequities in treatment and access by local officials when seeking land for churches and cemeteries. Evangelical leaders felt that as perceived newcomers, they remained disadvantaged in the allocation of land compared with the EOC and the EIASC. The EIASC complained that it had more difficulty than the EOC obtaining land from the Government, while others believed that the EIASC was favoured for mosque locations.

==Government and Political Conditions==
Ethiopia is a federal republic under the 1994 constitution. The executive branch includes a president, Council of State, and Council of Ministers. Executive power resides with the prime minister. There is a bicameral parliament; national legislative elections were held in 2005. The judicial branch comprises federal and regional courts.

Political parties include the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF), and other small parties. Suffrage is universal at age 18.

In 2003, Ethiopia continued its transition from a unitary to a federal system of government. The EPRDF-led government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has promoted a policy of ethnic federalism, devolving significant powers to regional, ethnically based authorities. Ethiopia today has 9 semi-autonomous administrative regions and two special city administrations (Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa), which have the power to raise their own revenues. Under the present government, Ethiopians enjoy wider, albeit circumscribed, political freedom than ever before in Ethiopia’s history.

===Principal Government Officials===
*President—Mulatu Teshome
*Prime Minister—Hailemariam Desalegn
*Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture—Addisu Legesse
*Minister of National Defense—Kuma Demeksa
*Minister of Foreign Affairs—Seyoum Mesfin

===Foreign Relations===
Ethiopia was relatively isolated from major movements of world politics until Italian invasions in 1895 and 1935. Since World War II, it has played an active role in the world and African affairs. Ethiopia was a charter member of the United Nations and took part in UN operations in Korea in 1951 and the Congo in 1960. Former Emperor Haile Selassie was a founder of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU). Addis Ababa also hosts the UN Economic Commission for Africa. Ethiopia is also a member of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, a Horn of Africa regional grouping.

Although nominally a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, after the 1974 revolution, Ethiopia moved into a close relationship with the Soviet Union and its allies and supported their international policies and positions until the change of government in 1991. Today, Ethiopia has very good relations with the United States and the West, especially in responding to regional instability and supporting the war on terrorism and, increasingly, through economic involvement.

Ethiopia's relations with Eritrea remained tense and unresolved. Following a brutal 1998-2000 border war in which tens of thousands died on both sides, the two countries signed a peace agreement in December 2000. A five-member independent international commission—Eritrean Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC)--issued a decision in April 2002 and follow-up observations in March 2003 delimiting the border between the two countries, but thus far the parties have not agreed to final demarcation. The United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) peacekeeping mission patrols a 25-kilometre-wide Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) within Eritrea separating the two countries; a few minor incidents of violence have occurred, all between local villagers and militia or armed opposition groups supported by the other side. Both countries insist they will not instigate fighting, but both also remain prepared for any eventuality. Regarding its neighbour Somalia, the lack of central government and factional fighting in Somalia contributes to tensions along the boundaries of the two countries. Ethiopia has recently entered into a loose tripartite (nonmilitary) cooperation with Sudan and Yemen.

The irredentist claims of the extremist-controlled Council of Islamic Courts (CIC) in Somalia in 2006 posed a legitimate security threat to Ethiopia and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia. In December 2006, the TFG requested the assistance of the Ethiopian military to respond to the CIC's aggression. Within a few weeks, the joint Ethiopian-TFG forces routed the CIC from Somalia, and the deployment of the African Union's Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in March 2007 began to provide security in Mogadishu to allow for the quick withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Somalia.

==Defense==
The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) numbers about 200,000 personnel, which makes it one of the largest militaries in Africa. During the 1998-2000 border war with Eritrea, the ENDF mobilized strength reached approximately 350,000. Since the end of the war, some 150,000 soldiers have been demobilized. The ENDF continues a transition from its roots as a guerrilla army to an all-volunteer professional military organization with the aid of the U.S. and other countries. Training in peacekeeping operations, professional military education, military training management, counter-terrorism operations, and military medicine are among the major programs sponsored by the United States. Ethiopia now has one peacekeeping contingent in Liberia.

==Economy==
[[File:GERD.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)]]
The current government has embarked on a cautious program of economic reform, including privatization of state enterprises and rationalization of government regulation. While the process is still ongoing, so far the reforms have attracted only meagre foreign investment, and the government remains heavily involved in the economy.

The Ethiopian economy is based on agriculture, which contributes 47% to GNP and more than 80% of exports, and employs 85% of the population. The major agricultural export crop is coffee, providing 35% of Ethiopia's foreign exchange earnings, down from 65% a decade ago because of the slump in coffee prices since the mid-1990s. Other traditional major agricultural exports are hides and skins, pulses, oilseeds, and the traditional "khat," a leafy shrub that has psychotropic qualities when chewed. Sugar and gold production has also become important in recent years.

Ethiopia's agriculture is plagued by periodic drought, soil degradation caused by inappropriate agricultural practices and overgrazing, deforestation, high population density, undeveloped water resources, and poor transport infrastructure, making it difficult and expensive to get goods to market. Yet agriculture is the country's most promising resource. Potential exists for self-sufficiency in grains and export development in livestock, flowers, grains, oilseeds, sugar, vegetables, and fruits.

Gold, marble, limestone, and small amounts of tantalum are mined in Ethiopia. Other resources with potential for commercial development include large potash deposits, natural gas, iron ore, and possibly oil and geothermal energy. Although Ethiopia has good hydroelectric resources, which power most of its manufacturing sector, it is totally dependent on imports for its oil. A landlocked country, Ethiopia has relied on the port of Djibouti since the 1998-2000 border war with Eritrea. Ethiopia is connected with the port of Djibouti by road and rail for international trade. Of the 23,812 kilometres of all-weather roads in Ethiopia, 15% are asphalt. Mountainous terrain and the lack of good roads and sufficient vehicles make land transportation difficult and expensive. However, the government-owned airline’s reputation is excellent. Ethiopian Airlines serves 38 domestic airfields and has 42 international destinations.

Dependent on a few vulnerable crops for its foreign exchange earnings and reliant on imported oil, Ethiopia lacks sufficient foreign exchange earnings. The financially conservative government has taken measures to solve this problem, including stringent import controls and sharply reduced subsidies on retail gasoline prices. Nevertheless, the large subsistence economy is incapable of meeting the budget requirements for drought relief, an ambitious development plan, and indispensable imports such as oil. The gap has largely been covered through foreign assistance inflows.
*Real GDP (2006 est.): $13.3 billion.
*Annual growth rate (2006 est.): 9.6%.
*Per capita income (2006 est.): $130.
*Average inflation rate (2006 est.): 13%.
*Natural resources: Potash, salt, gold, copper, platinum, natural gas (unexploited).
*Agriculture (47% of GDP): Products—coffee, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, khat, meat, hides and skins. Cultivated land—17%.
*Industry (12% of GDP): Types—textiles, processed foods, construction, cement, and hydroelectric power.
*Trade (2006 est.): Exports--$1.1 billion. Imports--$4.1 billion; plus remittances—official est. $400 million; unofficial est. $400 million.
*Fiscal year: July 8-July 7.

==History==
[[File:Murzi woman Ethiopia.jpg|thumb|280px|Murzi woman.]]
Ethiopia is credited with being the origin of mankind. Bones discovered in eastern Ethiopia date back 3.2 million years. Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world. Herodotus, the Greek historian of the fifth century B.C. describes ancient Ethiopia in his writings. The Old Testament of the Bible records the [[Queen of Sheba]]'s visit to Jerusalem. According to legend, Menelik I, the son of King Solomon and the [[Queen of Sheba]], founded the Ethiopian Empire. Missionaries from Egypt and Syria introduced Christianity in the fourth century A.D. Following the rise of Islam in the seventh century, Ethiopia was gradually cut off from European Christendom. The Portuguese established contact with Ethiopia in 1493, primarily to strengthen their influence over the Indian Ocean and to convert Ethiopia to Roman Catholicism. There followed a century of conflict between pro-and anti-Catholic factions, resulting in the expulsion of all foreign missionaries in the 1630s. This period of the bitter religious conflict contributed to hostility toward foreign Christians and Europeans, which persisted into the 20th century and was a factor in Ethiopia's isolation until the mid-19th century.

Under the Emperors Theodore II (1855–68), Johannes IV (1872-89), and Menelik II (1889-1913), the kingdom was consolidated and began to emerge from its medieval isolation. When Menelik II died, his grandson, Lij Iyassu, succeeded to the throne but soon lost support because of his Muslim ties. The Christian nobility deposed him in 1916, and Menelik's daughter, Zewditu, was made empress. Her cousin, Ras Tafari Makonnen (1892-1975), was made regent and successor to the throne. In 1930, after the empress died, the regent, adopting the throne name Haile Selassie, was crowned emperor. His reign was interrupted in 1936 when Italian Fascist forces invaded and occupied Ethiopia. The emperor was forced into exile in England despite his plea to the League of Nations for intervention. Five years later, British and Ethiopian forces defeated the Italians, and the emperor returned to the throne.

After a period of civil unrest, which began in February 1974, the aging Haile Selassie I was deposed on September 12, 1974, and a provisional administrative council of soldiers, known as the Derg ("committee") seized power from the emperor and installed a government, which was socialist in name and military in style. The Derg summarily executed 59 members of the royal family and ministers and generals of the emperor's government; Emperor Haile Selassie was strangled in the basement of his palace on August 22, 1975.

Lt. Col. Mengistu Haile Mariam assumed power as head of state and Derg chairman, after having his two predecessors killed. Mengistu's years in office were marked by a totalitarian-style government and the country's massive militarization, financed by the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc, and assisted by Cuba. From 1977 through early 1978 thousands of suspected enemies of the Derg were tortured and/or killed in a purge called the "red terror." Communism was officially adopted during the late 1970s and early 1980s with the promulgation of a Soviet-style constitution, Politburo, and the creation of the Workers' Party of Ethiopia (WPE).

In December 1976, an Ethiopian delegation in Moscow signed a military assistance agreement with the Soviet Union. The following April, Ethiopia abrogated its military assistance agreement with the United States and expelled the American military missions. In July 1977, sensing the disarray in Ethiopia, Somalia attacked across the Ogaden Desert in pursuit of its irredentist claims to the ethnic Somali areas of Ethiopia. Ethiopian forces were driven back deep inside their own frontier but, with the assistance of a massive Soviet airlift of arms and Cuban combat forces, they stemmed the attack. The major Somali regular units were forced out of the Ogaden in March 1978. Twenty years later, development in the Somali region of Ethiopia lagged.

The Derg's collapse was hastened by droughts and famine, as well as by insurrections, particularly in the northern regions of Tigray and Eritrea. In 1989, the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF) merged with other ethnically based opposition movements to form the Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). In May 1991, EPRDF forces advanced on Addis Ababa. Mengistu fled the country for asylum in Zimbabwe, where he still resides.

In July 1991, the EPRDF, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), and others established the Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE) which was comprised of an 87-member Council of Representatives and guided by a national charter that functioned as a transitional constitution. In June 1992 the OLF withdrew from the government; in March 1993, members of the Southern Ethiopia Peoples' Democratic Coalition left the government.

In May 1991, the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), led by Isaias Afwerki, assumed control of Eritrea and established a provisional government. This provisional government independently administered Eritrea until April 23–25, 1993, when Eritreans voted overwhelmingly for independence in an UN-monitored free and fair referendum. Eritrea was with Ethiopia’s consent declared independence on April 27, and the United States recognized its independence on April 28, 1993.

In Ethiopia, President Meles Zenawi and members of the TGE pledged to oversee the formation of multi-party democracy. The election for a 547-member constituent assembly was held in June 1994, and this assembly adopted the constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in December 1994. The elections for Ethiopia's first popularly chosen national parliament and regional legislatures were held in May and June 1995. Most opposition parties chose to boycott these elections, ensuring a landslide victory for the EPRDF. International and non-governmental observers concluded that opposition parties would have been able to participate had they chosen to do so. The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was installed in August 1995.
[[File:Haile Gebrselassie.jpg|thumb|left|Athlete Haile Gebrselassie.]]
In May 1998, Eritrean forces attacked part of the Ethiopia-Eritrea border region, seizing some Ethiopian-controlled territory. The strike spurred a two-year war between the neighbouring states that cost over 100,000 lives. Ethiopian and Eritrean leaders signed an Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities on June 18, 2000, and a peace agreement, known as the Algiers Agreement, on December 12, 2000. The agreements called for an end to the hostilities, a 25-kilometre-wide Temporary Security Zone along the Ethiopia-Eritrea border, the establishment of a United Nations peacekeeping force to monitor compliance, and the establishment of the Ethiopia Eritrea Boundary Commission (EEBC) to act as a neutral body to assess colonial treaties and applicable international law to render final and binding border delimitation and demarcation determinations. The United Nations Mission to Eritrea and Ethiopia (UNMEE) was established in September 2000. The EEBC presented its border delimitation decision on April 13, 2002. To date, neither Ethiopia nor Eritrea has taken the steps necessary to enable the EEBC to demarcate the border.

Opposition candidates won 12 seats in national parliamentary elections in 2001. Ethiopia held the freest and fair national campaign period in the country’s history before May 15, 2005 elections. Unfortunately, electoral irregularities and tense campaign rhetoric resulted in a protracted election complaints review process. Public protests turned violent in June 2005. The National Electoral Board released final results in September 2005, with the opposition taking over 170 of the 547 parliamentary seats and 137 of the 138 seats for the Addis Ababa municipal council. Opposition parties called for a boycott of parliament and civil disobedience to protest the election results. In early November 2005, Ethiopian security forces responded to public protests by arresting scores of opposition leaders, as well as journalists and human rights advocates, and detaining tens of thousands of civilians in rural detention camps for up to three months. In December 2005, the government charged 131 opposition, media, and civil society leaders with capital offences including "outrages against the constitution." Thirty-eight opposition leaders and journalists were convicted in June 2007. Approximately 150 of the elected opposition members of parliament have taken their seats. Ruling and opposition parties have engaged in a process of dialogue to address issues of democratic governance raised by the 2005 elections, including parliamentary rules of procedure, media regulation, and reform of the National Electoral Board.

In August 2012 Meles Zenawi died. Since April 2, 2018, Abiy Ahmed is the prime minister of Ethiopia.

==References==

<references/>
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/mapcenter/map.aspx - An interactive map of the world

{| style="width: 100%; background:transparent; border: 2px solid #000099;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"
!colspan=2 style="width: 100%; text-align: center; background-color: #000088; color: white; "|'''Copyright Details'''
|-
!style="background-color: #000088; color:white;"|License:
|style=" background-color: none;"| This work is in the [[Public Domain]] in the United States because it is a work of the United States Federal Government under the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the U.S. Code
|-
!style=" background-color: #000088; color:white;"|Source:
|style="background-color: none;border-top: 2px solid black"| File available from the {{{1|[[United States Federal Government]] [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2859.htm]}}}.
|}
{{African Countries}}
[[Category:Landlocked Countries]]
[[Category:Ethiopia]]
[[Category:African History]]

Queen of Sheba

2026-09-24T04:23:21Z

Cool6dad:

The '''Queen of Sheba''' was a wealthy ruler from the south who visited [[Solomon]] to test him with questions. As described in 1 Kings 10:1-13, the Queen of Sheba was satisfied with all of Solomon's answers and convinced about his great wisdom, and then gave him the equivalent of about 4 tons of gold in tribute.

The reference to the "Queen of the South" in Matthew 12:38-42 and Luke 11:31 is presumably a reference to the Queen of Sheba in the [[Old Testament]].<ref>http://www.keyway.ca/htm2001/20010822.htm</ref>

The Queen of Sheba is thought to have been from Sheba (Sabaʾ) in southwestern Arabia, in modern-day Yemen. Some traditions instead place her in the Kingdom of Axum (Ethiopia), so opinions vary.<ref>https://www.britannica.com/biography/Queen-of-Sheba</ref>

== References ==

<references/>

[[Category:Bible]]

US Highways Proposed Improvements (Post Roads)

2026-09-04T22:43:03Z

Cool6dad: /* US Rte 403 ME & NH */

==US Rte 4S NY, VT & NH ==
Rte 4 South will travel south of US Rte 4. US Rte 4S a two lane a limited access road would have with passing lanes about every seven miles. Starting at a roundabout on US Rte 4 (just north of NY Rt 43) and following the power line right-a-way. A roundabout where it intersects NY Rt 2. The limited access part will end with a roundabout on NY Rt 22 (about 1000 feet south of NY Rte 7) then traveling with NY Rte 7 and VT Rte 279 in VT
then Continue traveling with VT Rte 9 to Marlboro VT where US Rte 4S will leave VT Rte. 9 at a roundabout to become a two lane a limited access road North of & roughly parallel to VT Rte. 9. At I-91 exit 3 It will travel over the Rte 9 bridge to NH. Then US Rte 4S becomes a two lane a limited access road South of & roughly parallel to NH Rte 9. It will travel with NH Rte 9 starting at the intersection with NH Rte 10 until it merges with US Rte 4 near Concord NH.

==US Rte 7 VT==
An extension of the limited access US Rte 7 from where it currently ends at the intersection with VT Rte 7A in Dorset VT to just south of Rutland VT It would run just east of the existing US Rte 7.

==US Rte 9 NJ & DE ==
A new bridge across the Delaware Bay connecting the two parts of US Rte 9 which are currently connected by a ferry between Cape May NJ and Lewis DE.

==US Rte 78 GA ==
Improving existing alignment or utilizing new alignments to allow higher speed traffic between I-95 and US Rte 1

==US Rte 93 AZ, NV, & ID ==
Improving the existing alignment or utilizing new alignments including widening some sections (except those that will be replaced by [[ Proposed_interstate_highways#Interstate_11 |Interstate 11 ]] ) between Wickenburg AZ <ref>https://azdot.gov/projects/northwest-district-projects/us-93-corridor-projects “US 93 improvements "</ref> & Sun Valley ID.

==US Rte 109 NY ==
A new US Rte. 109 would start at the existing US Rte. 9 at the Latham NY Traffic Circle and traveling with the Troy-Schenectady Rd until it crosses the Mohawk River via a NEW bridge. A new road would built on the Northside of the Mohawk River to connect the new bridge to Vischer Ferry Rd and then it would travel along Vischer Ferry Rd till it reaches NY Rte. 146 and then the new US Rte. 109 would travel with Rte. 146 until in ends on the existing US Rte. 9 <ref>[ https://www.saratogian.com/opinion/letter-new-bridge-across-the-mohawk-river-needed/article_57b255f0-bd03-11e8-a2f3-d355cd73a3ec.html" New Bridge "]</ref> <ref>https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2023/04/a-bridge-at-vischer-ferry-some-clifton-park-history/"History of bridge"</ref>.

==US Rte 287 TX ==
Improvements to US 287 through Ellis County, a distance of approximately 32 miles. This would require the construction of continuous, one-way frontage roads, including grade separations and access control to the main highway.

==US Rte 380 TX ==
Including improving the existing alignment or utilizing new alignments of the highway Denton County Line to Hunt County Line so it can handle more traffic. Also Analyze potential roadway alternatives, including the existing alignment and new alignments, for US 380 through Collin County from the Denton County line to the Hunt County line <ref>[ http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/public-hearings/2018/proposed-improvements-to-us-380-from-denton-county-line-to-hunt-county-line-pub ” US 380 "]</ref>
==US Rte 404 ME & NH ==
The proposed US Rte 404 will be a paved two lane road that will give US road access to the property owners and villages that currently only have road access thru Quebec Canada! US Rte 404 will Start on US Rte 1 in Fort Kent ME, and end on US Rte 3 in Pittsburg NH. Staying as close to the Canadian border as is practicable for a road. In Maine it will travel with the existing ME Rte 161, and then cross the St John River, to provide US road access to Estcourt Station ME<ref>https://downeast.com/our-towns/canadian-border-at-estcourt-station-maine/</ref>. Then continue along the US side of the international border to New Hampshire and US Rte 3.

==See Also==
*[[Proposed_interstate_highways |Proposed Interstate Highways]]

* [[National_Highway_System]]
* [[Proposed High Speed Rail lines | Proposed_High_Speed_Rail_line]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Lists]]
[[Category:Transportation]]
[[Category:Systems of Support]]

American Christianity

2026-09-04T13:17:21Z

Cool6dad: /* See also */

[[File:Loc of United States.png|300px|thumbnail|right|[[Peter L. Berger]] said that the religiosity of the [[United States]] was a big exception to the [[secularization thesis]] that should have caused social scientists to question the theory.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHlDyR102G8 Professor Peter Berger on Resurgence of Religion and Decline of Secularization Theory]</ref> See also: [[American atheism]] ]]
[[Christianity]] is the dominant religion in the United States, with 70.6% of polled American adults self-identifying themselves as Christian in 2014.<ref>"[http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/ America's Changing Religious Landscape]". Pew Research Center: Religion & Public Life. May 12, 2015.</ref> The United States has the largest Christian population in the world, with almost 247 million Christians (although other Christianized countries have higher percentages of Christians among their populations). The Christian faith teaches Jesus is God and the only son of God the father.

== Protestantism in the United States ==

''See also:'' [[Protestantism]]: [[Anabaptist | Anabaptist(Amish, Hutterites, Mennonites.& others)]], [[Anglicanism]], [[Continuing_Anglican |Continuing Anglican(conservative)]], [[Baptist]], [[Calvinism]]. [[Churches of Christ]], [[Disciples of Christ]], [[Evangelical Christians]], [[Evangelical Covenant Church | Evangelical Covenant Church(Life.church)]], [[Lutheranism]], [[Methodism]] , [[Pentecostalism]], [[Presbyterian]], [[Religious_Society_of_Friends| Quakers]], [[Reformed_Churches | Reformed]], [[The_Salvation_Army |Salvation Army]]

Given that most of the original 13 colonies were founded by Protestant Christians, it is not surprising that Protestants make up the majority of Christians (and religious adherents overall) in America.

Michael Brown wrote:
{{cquote|Several decades ago, church statistician and demographer David Barrett began to report the surprising news that around the world, the most rapidly growing faith was Spirit-empowered Christianity, marked by clear gospel preaching, belief in the literal truth of the Scriptures, and the reality of God’s presence. (The data were compiled in the prestigious “World Christian Encyclopedia,” published by Oxford University Press.)...

This is confirmed in the new Pew Forum report, which showed that [[Evangelicalism|evangelical Protestant]] churches in America grew by 2 million from 2007 to 2014 whereas the so-called mainline (liberal) Protestant churches declined by 5 million, meaning that evangelical Protestants now make up the largest religious group in the nation. (Although this is not part of the Pew Forum survey, my surmise is that the evangelical churches that are most Bible-based and make the most serious, grace-empowered demands on their congregants are, generally speaking, the ones that are growing rather than declining.)<ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2015/05/why-conservative-churches-are-still-growing/ Why conservative churches are still growing]</ref>}}

In their 2010 journal article entitled, ''Secularism, Fundamentalism or Catholicism? The Religious Composition of the United States to 2043'' published in the ''Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion'', Vegard Skirbekk and Anne Goujon wrote that the "prevailing view ...envisions the continued growth of “strong religion” (Stark and Iannaccone 1994a)."<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/jssr_15101.pdf ''Secularism, Fundamentalism or Catholicism? The Religious Composition of the United States to 2043''], ''Journal for the Sientific Study of Religion'', vol. 49, no. 2 (June) 2010, Vegard Skirbekk and Anne Goujon,</ref> See also: [[Baylor University researchers on American Christianity]]

Professor [[Eric Kaufmann]] wrote:
{{Cquote|In North America, only small Anabaptist sects like the Hutterites (population 50,000), Amish and some Mennonites maintain a Haredi-like fertility premium, and will emerge as significant groups in rural areas over several generations...

Conservative Christians as a whole will have a stronger presence in the white America of 2050 than they do today, and a more powerful national voice if they can forge alliances with traditionalist Hispanic Catholics, as shown in the 2008 success of Proposition 8 (anti-same sex marriage) in California.<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century\ By Eric Kaufmann]</ref>}}

== Roman Catholicism in the United States ==

According to Pew Research in 2014, [[Roman Catholic Church | Roman Catholics]] made up about 20.8% of Americans.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/ Religion in the United States], Pew Research</ref> The primary rite directly under the [[Pope]](which 90% of Catholics belong) has 143 [[Diocese | dioceses]] and 33 [[Archdiocese | archdioceses]] in the USA. The largest of the other rites is the [[ Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Church |Byzantine Ukrainian Church]] which has 1 [[Archdiocese | archeparchies]]<ref>https://ukrcatholic.org/</ref> and 3 [[Diocese | eparchies ]], in USA. The [[Maronites | Maronite Rite]] has 3 [[Diocese | eparchies ]] in USA. Some of the other rites only have 1 diocese/eparchy for the entire USA, or do not have parishes in USA<ref>https://www.usccb.org/about/bishops-and-dioceses/all-dioceses</ref>.

See also [[Roman Catholic Church]] for more details.

'''Disputed''' NOT under the Pope
*[[Independent_Catholic_churches|Independent Catholic]]
*[[Polish National Catholic Church |PNC Church]]
*[[Society of St. Pius X|SSPX traditionalist Catholicism Latin mass]]

== Eastern Orthodox Christianity in the United States ==
The [[Eastern Orthodox]] Churches are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals. Its churches are often [[Autocephalous]](self governing). The Orthodox faith is gaining converts in the USA<ref>https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/columnists/terry-mattingly/2025/11/27/terry-mattingly-u-s-churches-of-orthodoxy-face-waves-of-converts/87373265007/</ref>.
*''See also:'' [[Orthodox Church in America]], [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]], [[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]], and [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America]]. <ref>https://www.goarch.org/orthodox-jurisdictions-in-america</ref>

*The Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) as of 2000 reported about 1 million [[Eastern Orthodox]] and Oriental Orthodox adherents in the US, or 0.4% of the total population.<ref>"[http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/rcms_notes.asp ARDA Sources for Religious Congregations & Membership Data]". ARDA. 2000. Retrieved 2010-05-29.</ref>

== Asian and African Orthodox Christianity in the United States ==
Sometimes known as [[Oriental_Orthodox_Churches | Oriental Orthodox]] ''See also:''[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]], and the Tewahedo Churches: [[Coptic Church]] & [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox Church]]

Churches above founded by St.Thomas the Apostle and [[St. Mark]] the evangelist now have Dioceses in the United States

== Other Christian Churches ==
See [[Seventh-day_Adventist_Church | Seventh day Adventist]], [[Messianic_Judaism | Jews for Jesus (Messianic Judaism)]], [[Non-denominational_church | Non-denominational churches]], [[Armenian Apostolic Church]], [[Evangelical Apostolic Church of North America (Syro-Chaldean) | Evangelical Apostolic Church of North America]] .

== See also ==
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Mexican and Caribbean Christianity]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Afterlife]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Exorcism]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Antarctica]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America]]
*[[Christianity in South America | Christianity in South America, Central America]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Atlantic Islands Christianity]]
*[[Internet evangelism]]
*[[Answers in Genesis]]
*[[Turning Point USA]]

</div>

== Notes ==
Click on the Christian Denominations Category, Christian Organizations Category, or Churches Category '''below''' for more information.
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Christian Organizations]]
[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christianity by Country]]

Orthodox Church

2026-09-04T02:37:50Z

Cool6dad: /* Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese */

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church.jpg|right|300px]]
The '''Orthodox Churches''' are the second largest body of [[Christians]], with an estimated membership between 250 million and 350 million people. The Orthodox Churches understand themselves to constitute the original Catholic Christian Church founded by [[Jesus Christ]]. Members believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Orthodox faith is notable for its use of [[icon]]s, candles, incense, relics of [[saint]]s, and beautiful vestments during her rich liturgical services. It is often confused with the Byzantine-rite Catholics who are in communion with the [[Pope]] of [[Rome]]. The Orthodox are not in communion with the [[Roman Catholics]], whom they view as holding several false doctrines. While in [[Western civilization|the West]], the Orthodox Churches may be thought of as the Church in [[Russia]], [[Greece]], and other [[Eastern European]] countries, they are present on all inhabited continents and in most countries worldwide. The original church or community of the East before the [[Great Schism]] in 1054 comprised: the Greek churches founded by [[Saint Paul]], and the Antiochian and Asia Minor churches founded by Saint Peter.<ref>[https://stbartsestes.org/questions-and-interesting-facts/which-apostle-started-the-greek-orthodox-church.html]</ref>

== Beliefs of Orthodox Christians ==
Orthodox Churches are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals signifying honor rather than authority.
While the Orthodox Church draws its beliefs from a very wide variety of sources, including the [[Gospels]], the other books of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]]s, the written histories, the writings and sayings of saints, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, angelic communication and other direct spiritual experiences, icons, the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) and many other things besides, the core of what they believe is contained in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and [[Apostolic Tradition|Tradition]], (the deposit of faith).

The Creed:

<blockquote>''I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the [[Holy Spirit]] and the [[Virgin Mary]], and became man. And He was crucified for us under [[Pontius Pilate]], and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. [[Amen]].''</blockquote>
[[Image:Malbis Church altar.jpg|thumb|Greek Orthodox Church outside Mobile, Alabama.]]
This creed is professed by all Orthodox Christians prior to baptism, and at every celebration of the Divine Liturgy (the main service of the Orthodox Church).

The [[Bible]]
The Orthodox regard the Bible as the main source of and rule against which the life, actions, words, and thoughts of the Church and her members are judged. Its role in the life of the church can not be overstated. It is read from at every service, in fact, most of the services of the Orthodox Church consist, at least in part, of chanting large portions of the Bible.

The Gospels are accorded a special place in the worship of the Orthodox Church. They are afforded great honor. For example, they are bound in Gold, often beset with gems, and separate from the rest of the Bible. They are carried in processions, they are kissed, they are bowed to, and they are censed. All stand when the Gospel is read during a service. When the Gospel is not being venerated or being read from it is kept on the Altar.

All Orthodox Christians are expected to read from the Gospels and the [[Epistles]] every day, except during [[Lent]] when Old Testament readings are assigned.

According to [[Protestantism]], the Orthodox Church like the Church of Rome, does not heed the biblical warning to reject traditions of men in favour of the Word of God.<ref>See [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A8-23&version=KJV Colossians 2:8-23]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+4%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Timothy 4:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A18-19&version=KJV 1 John 2:18-19]</ref> The Orthodox Church, like the Church of Rome, heeds the biblical command to faithfully keep to the traditions handed down by the apostles,<ref>See [[Apostolic succession]].</ref> implicitly and explicitly rooted firmly in the [[Biblical Canon|whole Orthodox Bible]] and the mind of Christ in the Church<ref>Greek ''ραράδοσις'' paradosis is variously translated in the New Testament as "ordinance", "tradition", "practice", "custom", "unwritten/oral teaching", as teachings received from the apostles and handed down (Lat. ''tradere'' "to deliver") according to the mind of Christ: [[Apostolic Tradition]] (compare Strong's number G3862). See various versions of [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 11:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+2%3A14-15&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A6&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:6]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A14&version=KJV 2 Timothy 1:14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Timothy 2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A2-4&version=KJV 2 Timothy 4:2-4]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+5%3A32-33&version=KJV Deuteronomy 5:32-33]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A17&version=KJV Hebrews 13:17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-18&version=KJV Matthew 18:15-18]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3%3A15&version=KJV 1 Timothy 3:15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A12-14&version=KJV John 16:12-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A10&version=KJV Ephesians 3:10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A30-31&version=KJV John 20:30-31]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A25&version=KJV John 21:25]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A12&version=KJV 2 John 12]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A9-10&version=KJV 2 John 9-10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+1%3A13-14&version=KJV 3 John 13-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A19&version=KJV Revelation 22:19]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=KJV Matthew 28:19-20]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A19-2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Peter 1:19–2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A15-17&version=KJV 2 Peter 3:15-17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2%3A10-16&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 2:10-16]</ref><ref>See also [https://www.openbible.info/topics/traditions 100 Bible Verses about Traditions (openbible.info)].</ref>

=== Theosis ===
Theosis is the belief that Christians can experience a union with God and become like him so much that they participate in the divine nature. Theosis does not mean that they become gods or merge with God, only that they are deified. These Christians are said not to participate in God's essence. Furthermore, this deification does not mean that a person stops sinning or no longer struggles with sin. Instead, theosis is a mystical union with God that proceeds throughout the person's life and culminates in the resurrection of the body. Some have said that this is equivalent to sanctification as taught in the Western churches.<ref>https://carm.org/what-is-theosis</ref>

Verses that Eastern Orthodox Christians use to support theosis include John 17:22-23, 2 Peter 1:4, and 2 Corinthians 3:18. The biblical basis for theosis, according to Eastern Orthodox Christians, begins, however, with the creation account in Genesis, specifically 1:26. Theosis is implicit in the doctrine of the imago dei: humanity being made in the divine image.

The divine likeness implies our calling to be in communion with God, rendering man unique to the rest of Creation. This moves beyond the legal model, which focuses more on our external legal or judicial status and good moral behavior – rather than the transformation of our inner nature. As a result of Adam and Eve's sin, the image of God has become marred in us. In the Incarnation, God came to restore the imago dei (image of God). Salvation as theosis is based on the restoration of the image of God in us, which in turn calls for the restoration of communion with God, resulting in a change in human nature, i.e., ontological consequences.

According to Robert Arakaki, author at Orthodox Reformed Bridge:
{{cquote|Many Protestants find the doctrine of theosis dubious despite the fact it is found in Scripture. We read in 2 Peter 1:3-4. This does not mean we participate in God’s essence (ousia). Rather we are transformed into the likeness of Christ through participation in his grace, i.e., divine energies. The footnote commentary in the Orthodox Study Bible for 2 Peter 1:4 reads:

*''This [Theosis] does not mean we become divine by nature. If we participated in God’s essence, the distinction between God and man would be abolished. What this does mean is that we participate in God’s energy, described by a number of terms in scripture, such as glory, life, love, virtue, and power. We are to become like God by his grace and truly His adopted children, but never becoming God by nature.''

The phrase “participate in the divine nature” (NIV) or “partakers of the divine nature” (KJV, OSB) is a translation of: “γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως.” [Greek NT] The Greek for “participate” or “share” is κοινωνος (koinonos) which has a range of meanings. It has been used with reference to sharing in glory (1 Peter 5:1), sharing in Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10), and fellowship in the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:1). It can have a spiritual/sacramental sense. Participation in a religious service, Christian or otherwise, has definite spiritual consequences. Participation in a pagan sacrifice results in participation with demonic forces (1 Corinthians 10:20) and likewise participation in the Eucharist results in participation in Christ’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16). The emphasis here is on participation, transformation, and experiential change, rather than a judicial declaration of legal status. This distinction is central to the different attitude Orthodox and the Reformed have toward the fullness of salvation in Christ.<ref>https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxbridge/theosis-and-our-salvation-in-christ/</ref>}}

Robert Arakaki also remarks that "The reference to the visible transformation of Moses’ appearance in 2 Corinthians 3:13 points to an ontological transformation, not just behavioral and attitudinal changes. Theosis also has eschatological implications," with Arakaki noting 1 John 3:2-3.

== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Metropolitan of Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.)
====Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.====
Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-iggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to Russian physicist Andrey Volkov, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; [[Orthodox Easter]] often occurs at a later date than [[Easter | Western Easter]] 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

This disagreement has arisen several times over the years:<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOgnERhs-c</ref>
*In 1832 the Greek Orthodox Church was declared autocephalous by the secular Greek government, a move not recognized by Constantinople. However, in 1850 Constantinople did declare the body to be autocephalous, but as it was BOTH within the geographical territory of Constantinople AND declared such by its Patriarch, the overarching issue was not resolved.
*A similar issue took place when the Bulgarian, Serbian, and Romanian bodies were declared autocephalous, as they were in the same situation as the Greek church before.
*In 1917, the Russian Church declared the Georgian Orthodox Church (at that time under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, which Constantinople did not recognize at the time, but in 1990 it finally did so.
*In 1970, the Russian Church declared the American Orthodox Church (which is under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, a decision Constantinople did not recognize and still does not.

The disagreement has come to the forefront over recognition of the Ukrainian Orthodox body, resulting in Constantinople declaring the Russian Church in 2019 to be schismatic.
{{Christianity}}
In 2022, it was reported that attendance at Russian Orthodox Church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20230317141802/https://mercatornet.com/few-russians-go-to-church-many-who-dont-may-still-be-influenced-by-their-patriarchs-tirades/78666/ attendance at Russian Orthodox church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.]</ref>

Also, according to a 2019 report "Using data from surveys carried out by the Higher School of Economics in Moscow in 2018, the sociologist Yana Roshchina worked out that while almost 81 percent of adult Russians consider themselves Orthodox, this is often a declaration of identity rather than faith. Just 6 percent of the population and 43 percent of believers go to church several times a month. According to Interior Ministry statistics, 4.3 million people across the country attended Easter services in 2019 – around 100,000 fewer than a year before."<ref>[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/05/29/russians-are-not-waiting-for-a-church-boom-a65792 Russians Are Not Waiting for a Church Boom], 2019</ref>

Pew Research reported in 2017: "Relatively few Orthodox or Catholic adults in Central and Eastern Europe say they regularly attend worship services, pray often or consider religion central to their lives. For example, a median of just 10% of Orthodox Christians across the region say they go to church on a weekly basis."<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2017/05/10/religious-belief-and-national-belonging-in-central-and-eastern-europe/ Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe], Pew Research, 2017</ref>

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== Oriental Orthodox Churches ==

''See:'' [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] Unlike other Orthodox churches, Oriental Orthodox churches are ''NOT'' under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. '''They are separate denominations.'''

The [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] are Eastern Christian churches adhering to [[Miaphysite Christology]], with approximately 50 million members worldwide.
*Some of them were formed in the [[Great_Schism | Chalcedonian Schism]] of 451 AD.

*The [[Indian Orthodox Church| Malankara Orthodox Church]] in India, just separated by distance, so was always run as an Autocephalous church under the Catholicos of the Apostolic throne of St. Thomas.

== History of the Orthodox Church in North America ==
===The Russians===
In 1794 several monks from Russia's northeastern monasteries began working with the native population of Kodiak and Unalaska Islands. Among those monks was St. Herman.

St. Herman was born in the town of Serpukhov in the [[Moscow]] Diocese around 1756. At the age of 16, he entered the monastic life at the Trinity-St. Sergius Hermitage near St. Petersburg. While here he developed a severe throat infection from which he nearly died. After fervent prayer before an icon of the Theotokos, he fell into a deep sleep. During this sleep, He dreamed that he was healed by the Virgin and upon waking, he had completely recovered. A few years later, he moved to the Valaam Monastery on [[Lake Ladoga]]. At this time the Golikov-Shelikov Company - licensed to exploit the resources of Alaska - requested monks to work in a new Alaskan mission. Father Herman was among the eight monks selected. They arrived on Kodiak Island on September 24, 1794, and immediately set out on the task of educating and converting the natives. Eventually, only Fr. Herman survived from this original mission.
[[Image:Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.jpg|thumb|300px|Orthodox Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.]]
The members of the mission felt that it was their duty to protect the Alaskans from harm and exploitation. They defended them against the often cruel treatment of the Russian-American Company which controlled the colony under the leadership of the cruel Alexander Baranov. As a result of their protests, and because they tried to place the natives under imperial protection by administering an oath of allegiance to the Czar to them, Baranov threatened the monks with physical violence and even placed them under house arrest.

Sometime between 1808 and 1818, Fr. Herman went to Spruce Island. He spent the rest of his life on the island, where he cared for orphans, established and ran a school, and continued his missionary work. He lived the ascetic life which has been standard since the time of the Desert Fathers. He built a small chapel and guest house. Food for himself and the orphans was produced from his own experimental garden. He wore the simplest clothing and his cell was practically empty. His life was devoted to prayer and to following the services he could do as a layman who had not been ordained.

His love grew to the point that he could see into the hearts of his spiritual children and help them. The natives regarded him as their intercessor before God. When there was a tidal wave (tsunami) on the Island, Fr. Herman took an Icon of the Theotokos, placed it on the beach and assured the people that the water would not rise beyond the place where the Icon was, and it did not. When there was a great fire on the island, he dug a trench and stayed the flames. Prior to his death he foretold that there would be no priest to bury him and that he would be forgotten for 30 years. He died on December 12, 1837, and was forgotten until 1867 when Bishop Peter of Alaska heard about him and had his life investigated. This investigation was followed by publications of his life in 1894, 1900, and 1952. In 1952 an Akathist Hymn was composed, and on March 11, 1969, the Great Council of Bishops solemnly proclaimed the Act of the Universal Church Canonization of the Staretz Herman to Sainthood in the Orthodox Church in America: "Taking into consideration the long and undisputed witness of the grace of God, appearing through the servant of God, the Staretz Herman of Alaska." The Canonization was performed on August 7–9, 1970.

In 1822, the Holy Synod of Russia decided it was time to send a priest to perfect the work of the monks. A priest named Ionn volunteered to be that priest. In 1823, the 26 year old Fr. Ionn and his family set off for Unalaska Island. He built a church with his own hands, learned the language of the local people, the Aleuts, composed an alphabet for their previously unwritten language, and translated the Gospel of Matthew into Aleutian. He also translated a catechism and some liturgical books for the Aleuts, and wrote the first book ever written in the Aleutian language, a brief course in dogmatics entitled, “A Guideline to the Kingdom of God". Considered one of the best catechetical courses and educational aids for children and youth, this course has been reprinted in several languages many times since.

Fr. Ionn established a school with an enrollment of 600 children, built a hospital, and fought hard against the practice of polygamy that treated women as property. After ten years on the island, Father Ioann had baptized all of the people in the archipelago. He made a trip in 1829 to Nushegak on the American continent and preached the Word of God to people who lived on the [[Bering Sea]] coast and baptized those who came to believe.

In 1839, Fr. Ionn returned to Russia to convince the Holy Synod of the need for establishing a permanent mission in North America. While he was on this trip back home, he received the news of the death of his wife. After a pilgrimage to St. Sergius Monastery of the Holy Trinity and to the shrines in Kiev, Archpriest Ioann, on the advice of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, took monastic vows on November 29. He took the name of Innocent, after Bishop Innocent of Irkutsk, and was elevated to the rank of archimandrite on the following day. In 1840, the Holy Synod in Moscow created a new diocese in North America and consecrated the Archimandrite Innocent as its new Bishop. In 1855, St. Innocent was elevated to Metropolitan of Moscow. While serving in that capacity, he established the Orthodox Missionary Society to help fund mission work. He was concerned for arranging the work of theological schools in his diocese, opened a school for icon-painting and other arts for poor children and orphans, transformed Philaret's college into a school for daughters of the clergy who did not receive any pensions or allowances, founded the large Ostrovsky alms-house, and wrote educational aids for the clergy of the staff list, as well as their widows and orphans.

At the same time, the great enlightener continued his concern for the Russian Orthodox Church in North America. It was on his initiative that the Holy Governing Synod chose San Francisco as the bishop's See. Metropolitan Innocent also emphasized the need for the clergy to know English and for the Church to train priests from among local Americans as a necessary condition for strengthening Orthodoxy in the American continent.

Feeling his death approaching, Metropolitan Innocent of Moscow and Kolomna asked on the Great Tuesday, 27 March 1879, that the Sacrament of Holy Unction be administered to him. On the Great Thursday, 29 March, he Communed. On Great and Holy Saturday, March 31, the Metropolitan, Equal to the Apostles, fell asleep in the Lord.

The Orthodox Church's next great burst of growth in America occurred during the ministry of St. Tikhon of Moscow, the Enlightener of North America.

St. Tikhon was a missionary bishop to North America. During his short ministry in North America he became a U.S. Citizen, and the Church grew from 15 parishes to 70 parishes. He was called back to Moscow in 1907. He was elected Metropolitan on August 15, 1917. On November 5 of the same year he was selected, by drawing lots, to be the Patriarch of Moscow and all the Rus’. The Communists accused him of sabotage and imprisoned him from April 1922 through June 1923. He fell ill and was hospitalized in 1924, and fell asleep in the Lord on March 25, 1925, just two days after serving his last Divine Liturgy.

One of St. Tikhon's most important decisions during his time in North America had to do with how to minister to Orthodox Christians from the Middle East who were arriving on the East Coast. He realized that these newest members of his flock needed someone who could speak their language and who was familiar with their distinct customs so he asked the Patriarch of Antioch to send him an Arabic-speaking priest.

The priest who arrived was Fr. Raphael Hawaweeny. In 1904, he was consecrated a Bishop by St. Tikhon and St. Innocent and from then until his death in 1915, he was known as Bishop Raphael of Brooklyn. During the course of his ministry, he established 29 parishes and assisted in the establishment of a monastery in [[Pennsylvania]]. He was recognized, even while living, as a saint but was not officially glorified by the Church until March 2000.

===The Russian Revolution===
With the rise of [[atheism|atheistic]] [[Communism]] in Russia and the corresponding infiltration of the KGB into the Orthodox Church in Russia, many Orthodox Christians in North America began clamoring for bishops they could trust. Additionally, the Russian Church split into two factions: The Metropolia (today known as the Orthodox Church in America or OCA) and the Patriarchal parishes. Essentially, the Patriarchate of Moscow sued the church in America for control of properties and actually won some of the cases. The parishes in those cases went under the direct jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Moscow. A third group of Russian bishops arrived in the United States following the Russian Revolution. They called themselves the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. For a while, they merged with the Metropolia but they did not think of themselves as Americans or as missionaries to America. They were intent on keeping Russian culture alive among the exiles and returning to Russia someday. They eventually split off from the Metropolia.

Amidst this confusion, there was a desire for bishops from the “old country”; that is, Serbs wanted a Serb bishop, Albanians wanted an Albanian bishop, etc. And the Archbishops and Patriarchs from the “old countries” were happy to send them. Thus, right after the Russian Revolution, what had been an administratively unified Church in the U.S. became administratively fragmented.

Around 1998, former KGB agent Konstantin Preobrazhensky investigated some recent deaths among the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, including Archpriest Lev Lebedev of Kursk in April 1998, and suspected that then-FSB head [[Vladimir Putin]] had been involved in the assassination.<ref>https://westernfreepress.com/2017/12/21/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref><ref>https://www.trevorloudon.com/2017/12/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref>

== The Present Situation in North America ==
[[Image:Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City Tennessee.jpg|thumb|300px|Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City, Tennessee.]]
Orthodox Churches in America today. The Orthodox Church continues to grow in North America. Most of its bishops were born in America, many having converted (either from religions outside Christianity or other Christian churches) as adults. The Orthodox church has experienced a couple of waves of mass conversions, such as when several thousand Byzantine-rite Catholics converted in the early 20th Century.
 
The Orthodox in America have established one undergraduate college, Holy Cross in Boston as well as several seminaries (including Anchorage, [[New York]], [[Boston]], and Pennsylvania), one practical ministerial institute (Penn.), and a graduate school for lay theologians (Berkeley). Some of their parishes have Saturday schools where Greek, Russian, and other languages as well as theology and culture are taught to children. A few parishes have established High Schools and elementary schools.
 
Several monasteries have been established for men and women, and two (one in New York and one in Miami) have converted from other churches and have become Orthodox monasteries.

===Orthodox Church in America===
OCA was started in 1921. After the Russian Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives</ref>. After decades of a very cold relationship, in 1970 the Metropolia was granted [[autocephalous|autocephaly]] (think of it as administrative independence) by the current Patriarch of Moscow and became known as the [[Orthodox Church in America]] (OCA). When that happened, numbers of the Romanian, Bulgarian, and Albanian Churches in the USA and Canada merged with the OCA. However, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (who claims he alone has the right to grant autocephaly to a church) has never recognized the autocephaly of the [[Orthodox Church in America]]. '''OCA continues to add members via conversions from other Christian churches or from non-Christians.''' The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) primarily uses English for its services, although it also incorporates other languages<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orthodox-Church-in-America</ref>. The [[Primate (church) | Primate]] and Chancery offices of the [[Orthodox Church in America]] are located in the canonical territory of the Archdiocese of Washington DC<ref>https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/bishops/the-most-blessed-tikhon</ref>. See Also '''[https://www.oca.org/ OCA]'''

===Antiochian Orthodox Church===
[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch]]. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church, along with Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome. The Archdiocese is autonomous, the Synod of Antioch still picks its bishop, from a list of three candidates nominated by [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | North American archdiocese]]. The archbishop resides in Englewood NJ<ref>https://www.antiochian.org/home</ref>It uses native languages for its services.<ref>https://stmichaeltx.org/orthodox-101/worship-services/what-language-are-the-services-in/</ref> See Also '''[https://www.antiochian.org/home Antiochian]'''

===Greek Orthodox Church===
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was the eparchy incorporated in 1921 under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople. In 1996, the archdiocese was split by the Ecumenical Patriarchate into four parts, those of [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | America]], [[ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada | Canada]], [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises | Central America]], and [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises |South America]]<ref>https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-history-of-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-1922-2022/</ref>. See Church of Constantinople above.

===Russian Orthodox Church===
The [[Russian Orthodox Church]] in America are under the authority of the Patriarch of Russia and Moscow. The Patriarchal Parishes in the USA is a canonical branch of Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) combining parishes and monasteries in the United States and Mexico. The Patriarchal Parishes were all that was left in 1970, with the granting of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in America<ref>https://www.mospatusa.com/history.html</ref> <ref>https://www.oca.org/questions/namerica/russian-orthodox-church-in-america</ref>.
===Ukrainian Orthodox Church===
[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]] leader is a Metropolitan bishop in New Jersey.<ref>https://uocofusa.org/</ref>. In 1921 the Church was formed by Priests who left the Roman Catholic [[Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church | Byzantine Rite Ukrainian Church]]. One of them was Joseph Zuk who was later consecrated a bishop and in 1936 they accepted the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
*[[Pentarchy]]
*[[Demetrius, Patriarch of Alexandria]]
*[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[Petrine Primacy]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Afterlife]]
*[[Exorcism]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
*[[American_Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
</div>

==References==

<References/>

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N636PYURaFg Growth of the Orthodox Church in America], Masaman, October 19, 2024. [[YouTube]].
*[https://rumble.com/v23bagm-an-orthodox-priest-is-giving-incredibly-deep-spiritual-guidance-to-russian-.html An Orthodox priest is giving incredibly deep spiritual guidance to Russian soldiers]

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Ukraine]]
[[Category:Russian History]]
[[Category:Orthodox Church]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]
[[Category:Byzantine]]

Orthodox Church

2026-09-04T02:37:19Z

Cool6dad: /* South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses */

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church.jpg|right|300px]]
The '''Orthodox Churches''' are the second largest body of [[Christians]], with an estimated membership between 250 million and 350 million people. The Orthodox Churches understand themselves to constitute the original Catholic Christian Church founded by [[Jesus Christ]]. Members believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Orthodox faith is notable for its use of [[icon]]s, candles, incense, relics of [[saint]]s, and beautiful vestments during her rich liturgical services. It is often confused with the Byzantine-rite Catholics who are in communion with the [[Pope]] of [[Rome]]. The Orthodox are not in communion with the [[Roman Catholics]], whom they view as holding several false doctrines. While in [[Western civilization|the West]], the Orthodox Churches may be thought of as the Church in [[Russia]], [[Greece]], and other [[Eastern European]] countries, they are present on all inhabited continents and in most countries worldwide. The original church or community of the East before the [[Great Schism]] in 1054 comprised: the Greek churches founded by [[Saint Paul]], and the Antiochian and Asia Minor churches founded by Saint Peter.<ref>[https://stbartsestes.org/questions-and-interesting-facts/which-apostle-started-the-greek-orthodox-church.html]</ref>

== Beliefs of Orthodox Christians ==
Orthodox Churches are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals signifying honor rather than authority.
While the Orthodox Church draws its beliefs from a very wide variety of sources, including the [[Gospels]], the other books of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]]s, the written histories, the writings and sayings of saints, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, angelic communication and other direct spiritual experiences, icons, the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) and many other things besides, the core of what they believe is contained in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and [[Apostolic Tradition|Tradition]], (the deposit of faith).

The Creed:

<blockquote>''I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the [[Holy Spirit]] and the [[Virgin Mary]], and became man. And He was crucified for us under [[Pontius Pilate]], and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. [[Amen]].''</blockquote>
[[Image:Malbis Church altar.jpg|thumb|Greek Orthodox Church outside Mobile, Alabama.]]
This creed is professed by all Orthodox Christians prior to baptism, and at every celebration of the Divine Liturgy (the main service of the Orthodox Church).

The [[Bible]]
The Orthodox regard the Bible as the main source of and rule against which the life, actions, words, and thoughts of the Church and her members are judged. Its role in the life of the church can not be overstated. It is read from at every service, in fact, most of the services of the Orthodox Church consist, at least in part, of chanting large portions of the Bible.

The Gospels are accorded a special place in the worship of the Orthodox Church. They are afforded great honor. For example, they are bound in Gold, often beset with gems, and separate from the rest of the Bible. They are carried in processions, they are kissed, they are bowed to, and they are censed. All stand when the Gospel is read during a service. When the Gospel is not being venerated or being read from it is kept on the Altar.

All Orthodox Christians are expected to read from the Gospels and the [[Epistles]] every day, except during [[Lent]] when Old Testament readings are assigned.

According to [[Protestantism]], the Orthodox Church like the Church of Rome, does not heed the biblical warning to reject traditions of men in favour of the Word of God.<ref>See [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A8-23&version=KJV Colossians 2:8-23]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+4%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Timothy 4:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A18-19&version=KJV 1 John 2:18-19]</ref> The Orthodox Church, like the Church of Rome, heeds the biblical command to faithfully keep to the traditions handed down by the apostles,<ref>See [[Apostolic succession]].</ref> implicitly and explicitly rooted firmly in the [[Biblical Canon|whole Orthodox Bible]] and the mind of Christ in the Church<ref>Greek ''ραράδοσις'' paradosis is variously translated in the New Testament as "ordinance", "tradition", "practice", "custom", "unwritten/oral teaching", as teachings received from the apostles and handed down (Lat. ''tradere'' "to deliver") according to the mind of Christ: [[Apostolic Tradition]] (compare Strong's number G3862). See various versions of [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 11:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+2%3A14-15&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A6&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:6]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A14&version=KJV 2 Timothy 1:14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Timothy 2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A2-4&version=KJV 2 Timothy 4:2-4]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+5%3A32-33&version=KJV Deuteronomy 5:32-33]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A17&version=KJV Hebrews 13:17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-18&version=KJV Matthew 18:15-18]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3%3A15&version=KJV 1 Timothy 3:15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A12-14&version=KJV John 16:12-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A10&version=KJV Ephesians 3:10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A30-31&version=KJV John 20:30-31]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A25&version=KJV John 21:25]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A12&version=KJV 2 John 12]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A9-10&version=KJV 2 John 9-10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+1%3A13-14&version=KJV 3 John 13-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A19&version=KJV Revelation 22:19]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=KJV Matthew 28:19-20]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A19-2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Peter 1:19–2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A15-17&version=KJV 2 Peter 3:15-17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2%3A10-16&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 2:10-16]</ref><ref>See also [https://www.openbible.info/topics/traditions 100 Bible Verses about Traditions (openbible.info)].</ref>

=== Theosis ===
Theosis is the belief that Christians can experience a union with God and become like him so much that they participate in the divine nature. Theosis does not mean that they become gods or merge with God, only that they are deified. These Christians are said not to participate in God's essence. Furthermore, this deification does not mean that a person stops sinning or no longer struggles with sin. Instead, theosis is a mystical union with God that proceeds throughout the person's life and culminates in the resurrection of the body. Some have said that this is equivalent to sanctification as taught in the Western churches.<ref>https://carm.org/what-is-theosis</ref>

Verses that Eastern Orthodox Christians use to support theosis include John 17:22-23, 2 Peter 1:4, and 2 Corinthians 3:18. The biblical basis for theosis, according to Eastern Orthodox Christians, begins, however, with the creation account in Genesis, specifically 1:26. Theosis is implicit in the doctrine of the imago dei: humanity being made in the divine image.

The divine likeness implies our calling to be in communion with God, rendering man unique to the rest of Creation. This moves beyond the legal model, which focuses more on our external legal or judicial status and good moral behavior – rather than the transformation of our inner nature. As a result of Adam and Eve's sin, the image of God has become marred in us. In the Incarnation, God came to restore the imago dei (image of God). Salvation as theosis is based on the restoration of the image of God in us, which in turn calls for the restoration of communion with God, resulting in a change in human nature, i.e., ontological consequences.

According to Robert Arakaki, author at Orthodox Reformed Bridge:
{{cquote|Many Protestants find the doctrine of theosis dubious despite the fact it is found in Scripture. We read in 2 Peter 1:3-4. This does not mean we participate in God’s essence (ousia). Rather we are transformed into the likeness of Christ through participation in his grace, i.e., divine energies. The footnote commentary in the Orthodox Study Bible for 2 Peter 1:4 reads:

*''This [Theosis] does not mean we become divine by nature. If we participated in God’s essence, the distinction between God and man would be abolished. What this does mean is that we participate in God’s energy, described by a number of terms in scripture, such as glory, life, love, virtue, and power. We are to become like God by his grace and truly His adopted children, but never becoming God by nature.''

The phrase “participate in the divine nature” (NIV) or “partakers of the divine nature” (KJV, OSB) is a translation of: “γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως.” [Greek NT] The Greek for “participate” or “share” is κοινωνος (koinonos) which has a range of meanings. It has been used with reference to sharing in glory (1 Peter 5:1), sharing in Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10), and fellowship in the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:1). It can have a spiritual/sacramental sense. Participation in a religious service, Christian or otherwise, has definite spiritual consequences. Participation in a pagan sacrifice results in participation with demonic forces (1 Corinthians 10:20) and likewise participation in the Eucharist results in participation in Christ’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16). The emphasis here is on participation, transformation, and experiential change, rather than a judicial declaration of legal status. This distinction is central to the different attitude Orthodox and the Reformed have toward the fullness of salvation in Christ.<ref>https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxbridge/theosis-and-our-salvation-in-christ/</ref>}}

Robert Arakaki also remarks that "The reference to the visible transformation of Moses’ appearance in 2 Corinthians 3:13 points to an ontological transformation, not just behavioral and attitudinal changes. Theosis also has eschatological implications," with Arakaki noting 1 John 3:2-3.

== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Metropolitan of Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Basilios, [[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.)
====Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.====
Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-iggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to Russian physicist Andrey Volkov, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; [[Orthodox Easter]] often occurs at a later date than [[Easter | Western Easter]] 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

This disagreement has arisen several times over the years:<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOgnERhs-c</ref>
*In 1832 the Greek Orthodox Church was declared autocephalous by the secular Greek government, a move not recognized by Constantinople. However, in 1850 Constantinople did declare the body to be autocephalous, but as it was BOTH within the geographical territory of Constantinople AND declared such by its Patriarch, the overarching issue was not resolved.
*A similar issue took place when the Bulgarian, Serbian, and Romanian bodies were declared autocephalous, as they were in the same situation as the Greek church before.
*In 1917, the Russian Church declared the Georgian Orthodox Church (at that time under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, which Constantinople did not recognize at the time, but in 1990 it finally did so.
*In 1970, the Russian Church declared the American Orthodox Church (which is under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, a decision Constantinople did not recognize and still does not.

The disagreement has come to the forefront over recognition of the Ukrainian Orthodox body, resulting in Constantinople declaring the Russian Church in 2019 to be schismatic.
{{Christianity}}
In 2022, it was reported that attendance at Russian Orthodox Church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20230317141802/https://mercatornet.com/few-russians-go-to-church-many-who-dont-may-still-be-influenced-by-their-patriarchs-tirades/78666/ attendance at Russian Orthodox church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.]</ref>

Also, according to a 2019 report "Using data from surveys carried out by the Higher School of Economics in Moscow in 2018, the sociologist Yana Roshchina worked out that while almost 81 percent of adult Russians consider themselves Orthodox, this is often a declaration of identity rather than faith. Just 6 percent of the population and 43 percent of believers go to church several times a month. According to Interior Ministry statistics, 4.3 million people across the country attended Easter services in 2019 – around 100,000 fewer than a year before."<ref>[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/05/29/russians-are-not-waiting-for-a-church-boom-a65792 Russians Are Not Waiting for a Church Boom], 2019</ref>

Pew Research reported in 2017: "Relatively few Orthodox or Catholic adults in Central and Eastern Europe say they regularly attend worship services, pray often or consider religion central to their lives. For example, a median of just 10% of Orthodox Christians across the region say they go to church on a weekly basis."<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2017/05/10/religious-belief-and-national-belonging-in-central-and-eastern-europe/ Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe], Pew Research, 2017</ref>

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== Oriental Orthodox Churches ==

''See:'' [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] Unlike other Orthodox churches, Oriental Orthodox churches are ''NOT'' under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. '''They are separate denominations.'''

The [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] are Eastern Christian churches adhering to [[Miaphysite Christology]], with approximately 50 million members worldwide.
*Some of them were formed in the [[Great_Schism | Chalcedonian Schism]] of 451 AD.

*The [[Indian Orthodox Church| Malankara Orthodox Church]] in India, just separated by distance, so was always run as an Autocephalous church under the Catholicos of the Apostolic throne of St. Thomas.

== History of the Orthodox Church in North America ==
===The Russians===
In 1794 several monks from Russia's northeastern monasteries began working with the native population of Kodiak and Unalaska Islands. Among those monks was St. Herman.

St. Herman was born in the town of Serpukhov in the [[Moscow]] Diocese around 1756. At the age of 16, he entered the monastic life at the Trinity-St. Sergius Hermitage near St. Petersburg. While here he developed a severe throat infection from which he nearly died. After fervent prayer before an icon of the Theotokos, he fell into a deep sleep. During this sleep, He dreamed that he was healed by the Virgin and upon waking, he had completely recovered. A few years later, he moved to the Valaam Monastery on [[Lake Ladoga]]. At this time the Golikov-Shelikov Company - licensed to exploit the resources of Alaska - requested monks to work in a new Alaskan mission. Father Herman was among the eight monks selected. They arrived on Kodiak Island on September 24, 1794, and immediately set out on the task of educating and converting the natives. Eventually, only Fr. Herman survived from this original mission.
[[Image:Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.jpg|thumb|300px|Orthodox Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.]]
The members of the mission felt that it was their duty to protect the Alaskans from harm and exploitation. They defended them against the often cruel treatment of the Russian-American Company which controlled the colony under the leadership of the cruel Alexander Baranov. As a result of their protests, and because they tried to place the natives under imperial protection by administering an oath of allegiance to the Czar to them, Baranov threatened the monks with physical violence and even placed them under house arrest.

Sometime between 1808 and 1818, Fr. Herman went to Spruce Island. He spent the rest of his life on the island, where he cared for orphans, established and ran a school, and continued his missionary work. He lived the ascetic life which has been standard since the time of the Desert Fathers. He built a small chapel and guest house. Food for himself and the orphans was produced from his own experimental garden. He wore the simplest clothing and his cell was practically empty. His life was devoted to prayer and to following the services he could do as a layman who had not been ordained.

His love grew to the point that he could see into the hearts of his spiritual children and help them. The natives regarded him as their intercessor before God. When there was a tidal wave (tsunami) on the Island, Fr. Herman took an Icon of the Theotokos, placed it on the beach and assured the people that the water would not rise beyond the place where the Icon was, and it did not. When there was a great fire on the island, he dug a trench and stayed the flames. Prior to his death he foretold that there would be no priest to bury him and that he would be forgotten for 30 years. He died on December 12, 1837, and was forgotten until 1867 when Bishop Peter of Alaska heard about him and had his life investigated. This investigation was followed by publications of his life in 1894, 1900, and 1952. In 1952 an Akathist Hymn was composed, and on March 11, 1969, the Great Council of Bishops solemnly proclaimed the Act of the Universal Church Canonization of the Staretz Herman to Sainthood in the Orthodox Church in America: "Taking into consideration the long and undisputed witness of the grace of God, appearing through the servant of God, the Staretz Herman of Alaska." The Canonization was performed on August 7–9, 1970.

In 1822, the Holy Synod of Russia decided it was time to send a priest to perfect the work of the monks. A priest named Ionn volunteered to be that priest. In 1823, the 26 year old Fr. Ionn and his family set off for Unalaska Island. He built a church with his own hands, learned the language of the local people, the Aleuts, composed an alphabet for their previously unwritten language, and translated the Gospel of Matthew into Aleutian. He also translated a catechism and some liturgical books for the Aleuts, and wrote the first book ever written in the Aleutian language, a brief course in dogmatics entitled, “A Guideline to the Kingdom of God". Considered one of the best catechetical courses and educational aids for children and youth, this course has been reprinted in several languages many times since.

Fr. Ionn established a school with an enrollment of 600 children, built a hospital, and fought hard against the practice of polygamy that treated women as property. After ten years on the island, Father Ioann had baptized all of the people in the archipelago. He made a trip in 1829 to Nushegak on the American continent and preached the Word of God to people who lived on the [[Bering Sea]] coast and baptized those who came to believe.

In 1839, Fr. Ionn returned to Russia to convince the Holy Synod of the need for establishing a permanent mission in North America. While he was on this trip back home, he received the news of the death of his wife. After a pilgrimage to St. Sergius Monastery of the Holy Trinity and to the shrines in Kiev, Archpriest Ioann, on the advice of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, took monastic vows on November 29. He took the name of Innocent, after Bishop Innocent of Irkutsk, and was elevated to the rank of archimandrite on the following day. In 1840, the Holy Synod in Moscow created a new diocese in North America and consecrated the Archimandrite Innocent as its new Bishop. In 1855, St. Innocent was elevated to Metropolitan of Moscow. While serving in that capacity, he established the Orthodox Missionary Society to help fund mission work. He was concerned for arranging the work of theological schools in his diocese, opened a school for icon-painting and other arts for poor children and orphans, transformed Philaret's college into a school for daughters of the clergy who did not receive any pensions or allowances, founded the large Ostrovsky alms-house, and wrote educational aids for the clergy of the staff list, as well as their widows and orphans.

At the same time, the great enlightener continued his concern for the Russian Orthodox Church in North America. It was on his initiative that the Holy Governing Synod chose San Francisco as the bishop's See. Metropolitan Innocent also emphasized the need for the clergy to know English and for the Church to train priests from among local Americans as a necessary condition for strengthening Orthodoxy in the American continent.

Feeling his death approaching, Metropolitan Innocent of Moscow and Kolomna asked on the Great Tuesday, 27 March 1879, that the Sacrament of Holy Unction be administered to him. On the Great Thursday, 29 March, he Communed. On Great and Holy Saturday, March 31, the Metropolitan, Equal to the Apostles, fell asleep in the Lord.

The Orthodox Church's next great burst of growth in America occurred during the ministry of St. Tikhon of Moscow, the Enlightener of North America.

St. Tikhon was a missionary bishop to North America. During his short ministry in North America he became a U.S. Citizen, and the Church grew from 15 parishes to 70 parishes. He was called back to Moscow in 1907. He was elected Metropolitan on August 15, 1917. On November 5 of the same year he was selected, by drawing lots, to be the Patriarch of Moscow and all the Rus’. The Communists accused him of sabotage and imprisoned him from April 1922 through June 1923. He fell ill and was hospitalized in 1924, and fell asleep in the Lord on March 25, 1925, just two days after serving his last Divine Liturgy.

One of St. Tikhon's most important decisions during his time in North America had to do with how to minister to Orthodox Christians from the Middle East who were arriving on the East Coast. He realized that these newest members of his flock needed someone who could speak their language and who was familiar with their distinct customs so he asked the Patriarch of Antioch to send him an Arabic-speaking priest.

The priest who arrived was Fr. Raphael Hawaweeny. In 1904, he was consecrated a Bishop by St. Tikhon and St. Innocent and from then until his death in 1915, he was known as Bishop Raphael of Brooklyn. During the course of his ministry, he established 29 parishes and assisted in the establishment of a monastery in [[Pennsylvania]]. He was recognized, even while living, as a saint but was not officially glorified by the Church until March 2000.

===The Russian Revolution===
With the rise of [[atheism|atheistic]] [[Communism]] in Russia and the corresponding infiltration of the KGB into the Orthodox Church in Russia, many Orthodox Christians in North America began clamoring for bishops they could trust. Additionally, the Russian Church split into two factions: The Metropolia (today known as the Orthodox Church in America or OCA) and the Patriarchal parishes. Essentially, the Patriarchate of Moscow sued the church in America for control of properties and actually won some of the cases. The parishes in those cases went under the direct jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Moscow. A third group of Russian bishops arrived in the United States following the Russian Revolution. They called themselves the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. For a while, they merged with the Metropolia but they did not think of themselves as Americans or as missionaries to America. They were intent on keeping Russian culture alive among the exiles and returning to Russia someday. They eventually split off from the Metropolia.

Amidst this confusion, there was a desire for bishops from the “old country”; that is, Serbs wanted a Serb bishop, Albanians wanted an Albanian bishop, etc. And the Archbishops and Patriarchs from the “old countries” were happy to send them. Thus, right after the Russian Revolution, what had been an administratively unified Church in the U.S. became administratively fragmented.

Around 1998, former KGB agent Konstantin Preobrazhensky investigated some recent deaths among the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, including Archpriest Lev Lebedev of Kursk in April 1998, and suspected that then-FSB head [[Vladimir Putin]] had been involved in the assassination.<ref>https://westernfreepress.com/2017/12/21/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref><ref>https://www.trevorloudon.com/2017/12/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref>

== The Present Situation in North America ==
[[Image:Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City Tennessee.jpg|thumb|300px|Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City, Tennessee.]]
Orthodox Churches in America today. The Orthodox Church continues to grow in North America. Most of its bishops were born in America, many having converted (either from religions outside Christianity or other Christian churches) as adults. The Orthodox church has experienced a couple of waves of mass conversions, such as when several thousand Byzantine-rite Catholics converted in the early 20th Century.
 
The Orthodox in America have established one undergraduate college, Holy Cross in Boston as well as several seminaries (including Anchorage, [[New York]], [[Boston]], and Pennsylvania), one practical ministerial institute (Penn.), and a graduate school for lay theologians (Berkeley). Some of their parishes have Saturday schools where Greek, Russian, and other languages as well as theology and culture are taught to children. A few parishes have established High Schools and elementary schools.
 
Several monasteries have been established for men and women, and two (one in New York and one in Miami) have converted from other churches and have become Orthodox monasteries.

===Orthodox Church in America===
OCA was started in 1921. After the Russian Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives</ref>. After decades of a very cold relationship, in 1970 the Metropolia was granted [[autocephalous|autocephaly]] (think of it as administrative independence) by the current Patriarch of Moscow and became known as the [[Orthodox Church in America]] (OCA). When that happened, numbers of the Romanian, Bulgarian, and Albanian Churches in the USA and Canada merged with the OCA. However, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (who claims he alone has the right to grant autocephaly to a church) has never recognized the autocephaly of the [[Orthodox Church in America]]. '''OCA continues to add members via conversions from other Christian churches or from non-Christians.''' The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) primarily uses English for its services, although it also incorporates other languages<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orthodox-Church-in-America</ref>. The [[Primate (church) | Primate]] and Chancery offices of the [[Orthodox Church in America]] are located in the canonical territory of the Archdiocese of Washington DC<ref>https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/bishops/the-most-blessed-tikhon</ref>. See Also '''[https://www.oca.org/ OCA]'''

===Antiochian Orthodox Church===
[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch]]. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church, along with Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome. The Archdiocese is autonomous, the Synod of Antioch still picks its bishop, from a list of three candidates nominated by [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | North American archdiocese]]. The archbishop resides in Englewood NJ<ref>https://www.antiochian.org/home</ref>It uses native languages for its services.<ref>https://stmichaeltx.org/orthodox-101/worship-services/what-language-are-the-services-in/</ref> See Also '''[https://www.antiochian.org/home Antiochian]'''

===Greek Orthodox Church===
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was the eparchy incorporated in 1921 under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople. In 1996, the archdiocese was split by the Ecumenical Patriarchate into four parts, those of [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | America]], [[ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada | Canada]], [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises | Central America]], and [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises |South America]]<ref>https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-history-of-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-1922-2022/</ref>. See Church of Constantinople above.

===Russian Orthodox Church===
The [[Russian Orthodox Church]] in America are under the authority of the Patriarch of Russia and Moscow. The Patriarchal Parishes in the USA is a canonical branch of Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) combining parishes and monasteries in the United States and Mexico. The Patriarchal Parishes were all that was left in 1970, with the granting of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in America<ref>https://www.mospatusa.com/history.html</ref> <ref>https://www.oca.org/questions/namerica/russian-orthodox-church-in-america</ref>.
===Ukrainian Orthodox Church===
[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]] leader is a Metropolitan bishop in New Jersey.<ref>https://uocofusa.org/</ref>. In 1921 the Church was formed by Priests who left the Roman Catholic [[Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church | Byzantine Rite Ukrainian Church]]. One of them was Joseph Zuk who was later consecrated a bishop and in 1936 they accepted the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
*[[Pentarchy]]
*[[Demetrius, Patriarch of Alexandria]]
*[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[Petrine Primacy]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Afterlife]]
*[[Exorcism]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
*[[American_Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
</div>

==References==

<References/>

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N636PYURaFg Growth of the Orthodox Church in America], Masaman, October 19, 2024. [[YouTube]].
*[https://rumble.com/v23bagm-an-orthodox-priest-is-giving-incredibly-deep-spiritual-guidance-to-russian-.html An Orthodox priest is giving incredibly deep spiritual guidance to Russian soldiers]

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Ukraine]]
[[Category:Russian History]]
[[Category:Orthodox Church]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]
[[Category:Byzantine]]

Orthodox Church

2026-09-04T02:34:52Z

Cool6dad: /* North America Antiochian Archdiocese */

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church.jpg|right|300px]]
The '''Orthodox Churches''' are the second largest body of [[Christians]], with an estimated membership between 250 million and 350 million people. The Orthodox Churches understand themselves to constitute the original Catholic Christian Church founded by [[Jesus Christ]]. Members believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Orthodox faith is notable for its use of [[icon]]s, candles, incense, relics of [[saint]]s, and beautiful vestments during her rich liturgical services. It is often confused with the Byzantine-rite Catholics who are in communion with the [[Pope]] of [[Rome]]. The Orthodox are not in communion with the [[Roman Catholics]], whom they view as holding several false doctrines. While in [[Western civilization|the West]], the Orthodox Churches may be thought of as the Church in [[Russia]], [[Greece]], and other [[Eastern European]] countries, they are present on all inhabited continents and in most countries worldwide. The original church or community of the East before the [[Great Schism]] in 1054 comprised: the Greek churches founded by [[Saint Paul]], and the Antiochian and Asia Minor churches founded by Saint Peter.<ref>[https://stbartsestes.org/questions-and-interesting-facts/which-apostle-started-the-greek-orthodox-church.html]</ref>

== Beliefs of Orthodox Christians ==
Orthodox Churches are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals signifying honor rather than authority.
While the Orthodox Church draws its beliefs from a very wide variety of sources, including the [[Gospels]], the other books of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]]s, the written histories, the writings and sayings of saints, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, angelic communication and other direct spiritual experiences, icons, the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) and many other things besides, the core of what they believe is contained in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and [[Apostolic Tradition|Tradition]], (the deposit of faith).

The Creed:

<blockquote>''I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the [[Holy Spirit]] and the [[Virgin Mary]], and became man. And He was crucified for us under [[Pontius Pilate]], and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. [[Amen]].''</blockquote>
[[Image:Malbis Church altar.jpg|thumb|Greek Orthodox Church outside Mobile, Alabama.]]
This creed is professed by all Orthodox Christians prior to baptism, and at every celebration of the Divine Liturgy (the main service of the Orthodox Church).

The [[Bible]]
The Orthodox regard the Bible as the main source of and rule against which the life, actions, words, and thoughts of the Church and her members are judged. Its role in the life of the church can not be overstated. It is read from at every service, in fact, most of the services of the Orthodox Church consist, at least in part, of chanting large portions of the Bible.

The Gospels are accorded a special place in the worship of the Orthodox Church. They are afforded great honor. For example, they are bound in Gold, often beset with gems, and separate from the rest of the Bible. They are carried in processions, they are kissed, they are bowed to, and they are censed. All stand when the Gospel is read during a service. When the Gospel is not being venerated or being read from it is kept on the Altar.

All Orthodox Christians are expected to read from the Gospels and the [[Epistles]] every day, except during [[Lent]] when Old Testament readings are assigned.

According to [[Protestantism]], the Orthodox Church like the Church of Rome, does not heed the biblical warning to reject traditions of men in favour of the Word of God.<ref>See [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A8-23&version=KJV Colossians 2:8-23]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+4%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Timothy 4:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A18-19&version=KJV 1 John 2:18-19]</ref> The Orthodox Church, like the Church of Rome, heeds the biblical command to faithfully keep to the traditions handed down by the apostles,<ref>See [[Apostolic succession]].</ref> implicitly and explicitly rooted firmly in the [[Biblical Canon|whole Orthodox Bible]] and the mind of Christ in the Church<ref>Greek ''ραράδοσις'' paradosis is variously translated in the New Testament as "ordinance", "tradition", "practice", "custom", "unwritten/oral teaching", as teachings received from the apostles and handed down (Lat. ''tradere'' "to deliver") according to the mind of Christ: [[Apostolic Tradition]] (compare Strong's number G3862). See various versions of [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 11:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+2%3A14-15&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A6&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:6]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A14&version=KJV 2 Timothy 1:14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Timothy 2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A2-4&version=KJV 2 Timothy 4:2-4]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+5%3A32-33&version=KJV Deuteronomy 5:32-33]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A17&version=KJV Hebrews 13:17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-18&version=KJV Matthew 18:15-18]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3%3A15&version=KJV 1 Timothy 3:15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A12-14&version=KJV John 16:12-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A10&version=KJV Ephesians 3:10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A30-31&version=KJV John 20:30-31]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A25&version=KJV John 21:25]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A12&version=KJV 2 John 12]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A9-10&version=KJV 2 John 9-10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+1%3A13-14&version=KJV 3 John 13-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A19&version=KJV Revelation 22:19]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=KJV Matthew 28:19-20]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A19-2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Peter 1:19–2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A15-17&version=KJV 2 Peter 3:15-17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2%3A10-16&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 2:10-16]</ref><ref>See also [https://www.openbible.info/topics/traditions 100 Bible Verses about Traditions (openbible.info)].</ref>

=== Theosis ===
Theosis is the belief that Christians can experience a union with God and become like him so much that they participate in the divine nature. Theosis does not mean that they become gods or merge with God, only that they are deified. These Christians are said not to participate in God's essence. Furthermore, this deification does not mean that a person stops sinning or no longer struggles with sin. Instead, theosis is a mystical union with God that proceeds throughout the person's life and culminates in the resurrection of the body. Some have said that this is equivalent to sanctification as taught in the Western churches.<ref>https://carm.org/what-is-theosis</ref>

Verses that Eastern Orthodox Christians use to support theosis include John 17:22-23, 2 Peter 1:4, and 2 Corinthians 3:18. The biblical basis for theosis, according to Eastern Orthodox Christians, begins, however, with the creation account in Genesis, specifically 1:26. Theosis is implicit in the doctrine of the imago dei: humanity being made in the divine image.

The divine likeness implies our calling to be in communion with God, rendering man unique to the rest of Creation. This moves beyond the legal model, which focuses more on our external legal or judicial status and good moral behavior – rather than the transformation of our inner nature. As a result of Adam and Eve's sin, the image of God has become marred in us. In the Incarnation, God came to restore the imago dei (image of God). Salvation as theosis is based on the restoration of the image of God in us, which in turn calls for the restoration of communion with God, resulting in a change in human nature, i.e., ontological consequences.

According to Robert Arakaki, author at Orthodox Reformed Bridge:
{{cquote|Many Protestants find the doctrine of theosis dubious despite the fact it is found in Scripture. We read in 2 Peter 1:3-4. This does not mean we participate in God’s essence (ousia). Rather we are transformed into the likeness of Christ through participation in his grace, i.e., divine energies. The footnote commentary in the Orthodox Study Bible for 2 Peter 1:4 reads:

*''This [Theosis] does not mean we become divine by nature. If we participated in God’s essence, the distinction between God and man would be abolished. What this does mean is that we participate in God’s energy, described by a number of terms in scripture, such as glory, life, love, virtue, and power. We are to become like God by his grace and truly His adopted children, but never becoming God by nature.''

The phrase “participate in the divine nature” (NIV) or “partakers of the divine nature” (KJV, OSB) is a translation of: “γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως.” [Greek NT] The Greek for “participate” or “share” is κοινωνος (koinonos) which has a range of meanings. It has been used with reference to sharing in glory (1 Peter 5:1), sharing in Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10), and fellowship in the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:1). It can have a spiritual/sacramental sense. Participation in a religious service, Christian or otherwise, has definite spiritual consequences. Participation in a pagan sacrifice results in participation with demonic forces (1 Corinthians 10:20) and likewise participation in the Eucharist results in participation in Christ’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16). The emphasis here is on participation, transformation, and experiential change, rather than a judicial declaration of legal status. This distinction is central to the different attitude Orthodox and the Reformed have toward the fullness of salvation in Christ.<ref>https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxbridge/theosis-and-our-salvation-in-christ/</ref>}}

Robert Arakaki also remarks that "The reference to the visible transformation of Moses’ appearance in 2 Corinthians 3:13 points to an ontological transformation, not just behavioral and attitudinal changes. Theosis also has eschatological implications," with Arakaki noting 1 John 3:2-3.

== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Metropolitan of Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence Metropolitan Jacques Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Damaskinos, [[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Sergio, Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ignatius, Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Basilios, [[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.)
====Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.====
Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-iggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to Russian physicist Andrey Volkov, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; [[Orthodox Easter]] often occurs at a later date than [[Easter | Western Easter]] 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

This disagreement has arisen several times over the years:<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOgnERhs-c</ref>
*In 1832 the Greek Orthodox Church was declared autocephalous by the secular Greek government, a move not recognized by Constantinople. However, in 1850 Constantinople did declare the body to be autocephalous, but as it was BOTH within the geographical territory of Constantinople AND declared such by its Patriarch, the overarching issue was not resolved.
*A similar issue took place when the Bulgarian, Serbian, and Romanian bodies were declared autocephalous, as they were in the same situation as the Greek church before.
*In 1917, the Russian Church declared the Georgian Orthodox Church (at that time under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, which Constantinople did not recognize at the time, but in 1990 it finally did so.
*In 1970, the Russian Church declared the American Orthodox Church (which is under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, a decision Constantinople did not recognize and still does not.

The disagreement has come to the forefront over recognition of the Ukrainian Orthodox body, resulting in Constantinople declaring the Russian Church in 2019 to be schismatic.
{{Christianity}}
In 2022, it was reported that attendance at Russian Orthodox Church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20230317141802/https://mercatornet.com/few-russians-go-to-church-many-who-dont-may-still-be-influenced-by-their-patriarchs-tirades/78666/ attendance at Russian Orthodox church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.]</ref>

Also, according to a 2019 report "Using data from surveys carried out by the Higher School of Economics in Moscow in 2018, the sociologist Yana Roshchina worked out that while almost 81 percent of adult Russians consider themselves Orthodox, this is often a declaration of identity rather than faith. Just 6 percent of the population and 43 percent of believers go to church several times a month. According to Interior Ministry statistics, 4.3 million people across the country attended Easter services in 2019 – around 100,000 fewer than a year before."<ref>[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/05/29/russians-are-not-waiting-for-a-church-boom-a65792 Russians Are Not Waiting for a Church Boom], 2019</ref>

Pew Research reported in 2017: "Relatively few Orthodox or Catholic adults in Central and Eastern Europe say they regularly attend worship services, pray often or consider religion central to their lives. For example, a median of just 10% of Orthodox Christians across the region say they go to church on a weekly basis."<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2017/05/10/religious-belief-and-national-belonging-in-central-and-eastern-europe/ Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe], Pew Research, 2017</ref>

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== Oriental Orthodox Churches ==

''See:'' [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] Unlike other Orthodox churches, Oriental Orthodox churches are ''NOT'' under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. '''They are separate denominations.'''

The [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] are Eastern Christian churches adhering to [[Miaphysite Christology]], with approximately 50 million members worldwide.
*Some of them were formed in the [[Great_Schism | Chalcedonian Schism]] of 451 AD.

*The [[Indian Orthodox Church| Malankara Orthodox Church]] in India, just separated by distance, so was always run as an Autocephalous church under the Catholicos of the Apostolic throne of St. Thomas.

== History of the Orthodox Church in North America ==
===The Russians===
In 1794 several monks from Russia's northeastern monasteries began working with the native population of Kodiak and Unalaska Islands. Among those monks was St. Herman.

St. Herman was born in the town of Serpukhov in the [[Moscow]] Diocese around 1756. At the age of 16, he entered the monastic life at the Trinity-St. Sergius Hermitage near St. Petersburg. While here he developed a severe throat infection from which he nearly died. After fervent prayer before an icon of the Theotokos, he fell into a deep sleep. During this sleep, He dreamed that he was healed by the Virgin and upon waking, he had completely recovered. A few years later, he moved to the Valaam Monastery on [[Lake Ladoga]]. At this time the Golikov-Shelikov Company - licensed to exploit the resources of Alaska - requested monks to work in a new Alaskan mission. Father Herman was among the eight monks selected. They arrived on Kodiak Island on September 24, 1794, and immediately set out on the task of educating and converting the natives. Eventually, only Fr. Herman survived from this original mission.
[[Image:Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.jpg|thumb|300px|Orthodox Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.]]
The members of the mission felt that it was their duty to protect the Alaskans from harm and exploitation. They defended them against the often cruel treatment of the Russian-American Company which controlled the colony under the leadership of the cruel Alexander Baranov. As a result of their protests, and because they tried to place the natives under imperial protection by administering an oath of allegiance to the Czar to them, Baranov threatened the monks with physical violence and even placed them under house arrest.

Sometime between 1808 and 1818, Fr. Herman went to Spruce Island. He spent the rest of his life on the island, where he cared for orphans, established and ran a school, and continued his missionary work. He lived the ascetic life which has been standard since the time of the Desert Fathers. He built a small chapel and guest house. Food for himself and the orphans was produced from his own experimental garden. He wore the simplest clothing and his cell was practically empty. His life was devoted to prayer and to following the services he could do as a layman who had not been ordained.

His love grew to the point that he could see into the hearts of his spiritual children and help them. The natives regarded him as their intercessor before God. When there was a tidal wave (tsunami) on the Island, Fr. Herman took an Icon of the Theotokos, placed it on the beach and assured the people that the water would not rise beyond the place where the Icon was, and it did not. When there was a great fire on the island, he dug a trench and stayed the flames. Prior to his death he foretold that there would be no priest to bury him and that he would be forgotten for 30 years. He died on December 12, 1837, and was forgotten until 1867 when Bishop Peter of Alaska heard about him and had his life investigated. This investigation was followed by publications of his life in 1894, 1900, and 1952. In 1952 an Akathist Hymn was composed, and on March 11, 1969, the Great Council of Bishops solemnly proclaimed the Act of the Universal Church Canonization of the Staretz Herman to Sainthood in the Orthodox Church in America: "Taking into consideration the long and undisputed witness of the grace of God, appearing through the servant of God, the Staretz Herman of Alaska." The Canonization was performed on August 7–9, 1970.

In 1822, the Holy Synod of Russia decided it was time to send a priest to perfect the work of the monks. A priest named Ionn volunteered to be that priest. In 1823, the 26 year old Fr. Ionn and his family set off for Unalaska Island. He built a church with his own hands, learned the language of the local people, the Aleuts, composed an alphabet for their previously unwritten language, and translated the Gospel of Matthew into Aleutian. He also translated a catechism and some liturgical books for the Aleuts, and wrote the first book ever written in the Aleutian language, a brief course in dogmatics entitled, “A Guideline to the Kingdom of God". Considered one of the best catechetical courses and educational aids for children and youth, this course has been reprinted in several languages many times since.

Fr. Ionn established a school with an enrollment of 600 children, built a hospital, and fought hard against the practice of polygamy that treated women as property. After ten years on the island, Father Ioann had baptized all of the people in the archipelago. He made a trip in 1829 to Nushegak on the American continent and preached the Word of God to people who lived on the [[Bering Sea]] coast and baptized those who came to believe.

In 1839, Fr. Ionn returned to Russia to convince the Holy Synod of the need for establishing a permanent mission in North America. While he was on this trip back home, he received the news of the death of his wife. After a pilgrimage to St. Sergius Monastery of the Holy Trinity and to the shrines in Kiev, Archpriest Ioann, on the advice of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, took monastic vows on November 29. He took the name of Innocent, after Bishop Innocent of Irkutsk, and was elevated to the rank of archimandrite on the following day. In 1840, the Holy Synod in Moscow created a new diocese in North America and consecrated the Archimandrite Innocent as its new Bishop. In 1855, St. Innocent was elevated to Metropolitan of Moscow. While serving in that capacity, he established the Orthodox Missionary Society to help fund mission work. He was concerned for arranging the work of theological schools in his diocese, opened a school for icon-painting and other arts for poor children and orphans, transformed Philaret's college into a school for daughters of the clergy who did not receive any pensions or allowances, founded the large Ostrovsky alms-house, and wrote educational aids for the clergy of the staff list, as well as their widows and orphans.

At the same time, the great enlightener continued his concern for the Russian Orthodox Church in North America. It was on his initiative that the Holy Governing Synod chose San Francisco as the bishop's See. Metropolitan Innocent also emphasized the need for the clergy to know English and for the Church to train priests from among local Americans as a necessary condition for strengthening Orthodoxy in the American continent.

Feeling his death approaching, Metropolitan Innocent of Moscow and Kolomna asked on the Great Tuesday, 27 March 1879, that the Sacrament of Holy Unction be administered to him. On the Great Thursday, 29 March, he Communed. On Great and Holy Saturday, March 31, the Metropolitan, Equal to the Apostles, fell asleep in the Lord.

The Orthodox Church's next great burst of growth in America occurred during the ministry of St. Tikhon of Moscow, the Enlightener of North America.

St. Tikhon was a missionary bishop to North America. During his short ministry in North America he became a U.S. Citizen, and the Church grew from 15 parishes to 70 parishes. He was called back to Moscow in 1907. He was elected Metropolitan on August 15, 1917. On November 5 of the same year he was selected, by drawing lots, to be the Patriarch of Moscow and all the Rus’. The Communists accused him of sabotage and imprisoned him from April 1922 through June 1923. He fell ill and was hospitalized in 1924, and fell asleep in the Lord on March 25, 1925, just two days after serving his last Divine Liturgy.

One of St. Tikhon's most important decisions during his time in North America had to do with how to minister to Orthodox Christians from the Middle East who were arriving on the East Coast. He realized that these newest members of his flock needed someone who could speak their language and who was familiar with their distinct customs so he asked the Patriarch of Antioch to send him an Arabic-speaking priest.

The priest who arrived was Fr. Raphael Hawaweeny. In 1904, he was consecrated a Bishop by St. Tikhon and St. Innocent and from then until his death in 1915, he was known as Bishop Raphael of Brooklyn. During the course of his ministry, he established 29 parishes and assisted in the establishment of a monastery in [[Pennsylvania]]. He was recognized, even while living, as a saint but was not officially glorified by the Church until March 2000.

===The Russian Revolution===
With the rise of [[atheism|atheistic]] [[Communism]] in Russia and the corresponding infiltration of the KGB into the Orthodox Church in Russia, many Orthodox Christians in North America began clamoring for bishops they could trust. Additionally, the Russian Church split into two factions: The Metropolia (today known as the Orthodox Church in America or OCA) and the Patriarchal parishes. Essentially, the Patriarchate of Moscow sued the church in America for control of properties and actually won some of the cases. The parishes in those cases went under the direct jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Moscow. A third group of Russian bishops arrived in the United States following the Russian Revolution. They called themselves the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. For a while, they merged with the Metropolia but they did not think of themselves as Americans or as missionaries to America. They were intent on keeping Russian culture alive among the exiles and returning to Russia someday. They eventually split off from the Metropolia.

Amidst this confusion, there was a desire for bishops from the “old country”; that is, Serbs wanted a Serb bishop, Albanians wanted an Albanian bishop, etc. And the Archbishops and Patriarchs from the “old countries” were happy to send them. Thus, right after the Russian Revolution, what had been an administratively unified Church in the U.S. became administratively fragmented.

Around 1998, former KGB agent Konstantin Preobrazhensky investigated some recent deaths among the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, including Archpriest Lev Lebedev of Kursk in April 1998, and suspected that then-FSB head [[Vladimir Putin]] had been involved in the assassination.<ref>https://westernfreepress.com/2017/12/21/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref><ref>https://www.trevorloudon.com/2017/12/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref>

== The Present Situation in North America ==
[[Image:Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City Tennessee.jpg|thumb|300px|Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City, Tennessee.]]
Orthodox Churches in America today. The Orthodox Church continues to grow in North America. Most of its bishops were born in America, many having converted (either from religions outside Christianity or other Christian churches) as adults. The Orthodox church has experienced a couple of waves of mass conversions, such as when several thousand Byzantine-rite Catholics converted in the early 20th Century.
 
The Orthodox in America have established one undergraduate college, Holy Cross in Boston as well as several seminaries (including Anchorage, [[New York]], [[Boston]], and Pennsylvania), one practical ministerial institute (Penn.), and a graduate school for lay theologians (Berkeley). Some of their parishes have Saturday schools where Greek, Russian, and other languages as well as theology and culture are taught to children. A few parishes have established High Schools and elementary schools.
 
Several monasteries have been established for men and women, and two (one in New York and one in Miami) have converted from other churches and have become Orthodox monasteries.

===Orthodox Church in America===
OCA was started in 1921. After the Russian Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives</ref>. After decades of a very cold relationship, in 1970 the Metropolia was granted [[autocephalous|autocephaly]] (think of it as administrative independence) by the current Patriarch of Moscow and became known as the [[Orthodox Church in America]] (OCA). When that happened, numbers of the Romanian, Bulgarian, and Albanian Churches in the USA and Canada merged with the OCA. However, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (who claims he alone has the right to grant autocephaly to a church) has never recognized the autocephaly of the [[Orthodox Church in America]]. '''OCA continues to add members via conversions from other Christian churches or from non-Christians.''' The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) primarily uses English for its services, although it also incorporates other languages<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orthodox-Church-in-America</ref>. The [[Primate (church) | Primate]] and Chancery offices of the [[Orthodox Church in America]] are located in the canonical territory of the Archdiocese of Washington DC<ref>https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/bishops/the-most-blessed-tikhon</ref>. See Also '''[https://www.oca.org/ OCA]'''

===Antiochian Orthodox Church===
[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch]]. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church, along with Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome. The Archdiocese is autonomous, the Synod of Antioch still picks its bishop, from a list of three candidates nominated by [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | North American archdiocese]]. The archbishop resides in Englewood NJ<ref>https://www.antiochian.org/home</ref>It uses native languages for its services.<ref>https://stmichaeltx.org/orthodox-101/worship-services/what-language-are-the-services-in/</ref> See Also '''[https://www.antiochian.org/home Antiochian]'''

===Greek Orthodox Church===
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was the eparchy incorporated in 1921 under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople. In 1996, the archdiocese was split by the Ecumenical Patriarchate into four parts, those of [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | America]], [[ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada | Canada]], [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises | Central America]], and [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises |South America]]<ref>https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-history-of-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-1922-2022/</ref>. See Church of Constantinople above.

===Russian Orthodox Church===
The [[Russian Orthodox Church]] in America are under the authority of the Patriarch of Russia and Moscow. The Patriarchal Parishes in the USA is a canonical branch of Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) combining parishes and monasteries in the United States and Mexico. The Patriarchal Parishes were all that was left in 1970, with the granting of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in America<ref>https://www.mospatusa.com/history.html</ref> <ref>https://www.oca.org/questions/namerica/russian-orthodox-church-in-america</ref>.
===Ukrainian Orthodox Church===
[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]] leader is a Metropolitan bishop in New Jersey.<ref>https://uocofusa.org/</ref>. In 1921 the Church was formed by Priests who left the Roman Catholic [[Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church | Byzantine Rite Ukrainian Church]]. One of them was Joseph Zuk who was later consecrated a bishop and in 1936 they accepted the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
*[[Pentarchy]]
*[[Demetrius, Patriarch of Alexandria]]
*[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[Petrine Primacy]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Afterlife]]
*[[Exorcism]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
*[[American_Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
</div>

==References==

<References/>

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N636PYURaFg Growth of the Orthodox Church in America], Masaman, October 19, 2024. [[YouTube]].
*[https://rumble.com/v23bagm-an-orthodox-priest-is-giving-incredibly-deep-spiritual-guidance-to-russian-.html An Orthodox priest is giving incredibly deep spiritual guidance to Russian soldiers]

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Ukraine]]
[[Category:Russian History]]
[[Category:Orthodox Church]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]
[[Category:Byzantine]]

Orthodox Church

2026-09-04T02:34:21Z

Cool6dad: /* Europe Antiochian Archdioceses */

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church.jpg|right|300px]]
The '''Orthodox Churches''' are the second largest body of [[Christians]], with an estimated membership between 250 million and 350 million people. The Orthodox Churches understand themselves to constitute the original Catholic Christian Church founded by [[Jesus Christ]]. Members believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Orthodox faith is notable for its use of [[icon]]s, candles, incense, relics of [[saint]]s, and beautiful vestments during her rich liturgical services. It is often confused with the Byzantine-rite Catholics who are in communion with the [[Pope]] of [[Rome]]. The Orthodox are not in communion with the [[Roman Catholics]], whom they view as holding several false doctrines. While in [[Western civilization|the West]], the Orthodox Churches may be thought of as the Church in [[Russia]], [[Greece]], and other [[Eastern European]] countries, they are present on all inhabited continents and in most countries worldwide. The original church or community of the East before the [[Great Schism]] in 1054 comprised: the Greek churches founded by [[Saint Paul]], and the Antiochian and Asia Minor churches founded by Saint Peter.<ref>[https://stbartsestes.org/questions-and-interesting-facts/which-apostle-started-the-greek-orthodox-church.html]</ref>

== Beliefs of Orthodox Christians ==
Orthodox Churches are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals signifying honor rather than authority.
While the Orthodox Church draws its beliefs from a very wide variety of sources, including the [[Gospels]], the other books of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]]s, the written histories, the writings and sayings of saints, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, angelic communication and other direct spiritual experiences, icons, the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) and many other things besides, the core of what they believe is contained in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and [[Apostolic Tradition|Tradition]], (the deposit of faith).

The Creed:

<blockquote>''I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the [[Holy Spirit]] and the [[Virgin Mary]], and became man. And He was crucified for us under [[Pontius Pilate]], and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. [[Amen]].''</blockquote>
[[Image:Malbis Church altar.jpg|thumb|Greek Orthodox Church outside Mobile, Alabama.]]
This creed is professed by all Orthodox Christians prior to baptism, and at every celebration of the Divine Liturgy (the main service of the Orthodox Church).

The [[Bible]]
The Orthodox regard the Bible as the main source of and rule against which the life, actions, words, and thoughts of the Church and her members are judged. Its role in the life of the church can not be overstated. It is read from at every service, in fact, most of the services of the Orthodox Church consist, at least in part, of chanting large portions of the Bible.

The Gospels are accorded a special place in the worship of the Orthodox Church. They are afforded great honor. For example, they are bound in Gold, often beset with gems, and separate from the rest of the Bible. They are carried in processions, they are kissed, they are bowed to, and they are censed. All stand when the Gospel is read during a service. When the Gospel is not being venerated or being read from it is kept on the Altar.

All Orthodox Christians are expected to read from the Gospels and the [[Epistles]] every day, except during [[Lent]] when Old Testament readings are assigned.

According to [[Protestantism]], the Orthodox Church like the Church of Rome, does not heed the biblical warning to reject traditions of men in favour of the Word of God.<ref>See [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A8-23&version=KJV Colossians 2:8-23]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+4%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Timothy 4:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A18-19&version=KJV 1 John 2:18-19]</ref> The Orthodox Church, like the Church of Rome, heeds the biblical command to faithfully keep to the traditions handed down by the apostles,<ref>See [[Apostolic succession]].</ref> implicitly and explicitly rooted firmly in the [[Biblical Canon|whole Orthodox Bible]] and the mind of Christ in the Church<ref>Greek ''ραράδοσις'' paradosis is variously translated in the New Testament as "ordinance", "tradition", "practice", "custom", "unwritten/oral teaching", as teachings received from the apostles and handed down (Lat. ''tradere'' "to deliver") according to the mind of Christ: [[Apostolic Tradition]] (compare Strong's number G3862). See various versions of [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 11:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+2%3A14-15&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A6&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:6]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A14&version=KJV 2 Timothy 1:14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Timothy 2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A2-4&version=KJV 2 Timothy 4:2-4]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+5%3A32-33&version=KJV Deuteronomy 5:32-33]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A17&version=KJV Hebrews 13:17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-18&version=KJV Matthew 18:15-18]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3%3A15&version=KJV 1 Timothy 3:15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A12-14&version=KJV John 16:12-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A10&version=KJV Ephesians 3:10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A30-31&version=KJV John 20:30-31]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A25&version=KJV John 21:25]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A12&version=KJV 2 John 12]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A9-10&version=KJV 2 John 9-10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+1%3A13-14&version=KJV 3 John 13-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A19&version=KJV Revelation 22:19]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=KJV Matthew 28:19-20]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A19-2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Peter 1:19–2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A15-17&version=KJV 2 Peter 3:15-17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2%3A10-16&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 2:10-16]</ref><ref>See also [https://www.openbible.info/topics/traditions 100 Bible Verses about Traditions (openbible.info)].</ref>

=== Theosis ===
Theosis is the belief that Christians can experience a union with God and become like him so much that they participate in the divine nature. Theosis does not mean that they become gods or merge with God, only that they are deified. These Christians are said not to participate in God's essence. Furthermore, this deification does not mean that a person stops sinning or no longer struggles with sin. Instead, theosis is a mystical union with God that proceeds throughout the person's life and culminates in the resurrection of the body. Some have said that this is equivalent to sanctification as taught in the Western churches.<ref>https://carm.org/what-is-theosis</ref>

Verses that Eastern Orthodox Christians use to support theosis include John 17:22-23, 2 Peter 1:4, and 2 Corinthians 3:18. The biblical basis for theosis, according to Eastern Orthodox Christians, begins, however, with the creation account in Genesis, specifically 1:26. Theosis is implicit in the doctrine of the imago dei: humanity being made in the divine image.

The divine likeness implies our calling to be in communion with God, rendering man unique to the rest of Creation. This moves beyond the legal model, which focuses more on our external legal or judicial status and good moral behavior – rather than the transformation of our inner nature. As a result of Adam and Eve's sin, the image of God has become marred in us. In the Incarnation, God came to restore the imago dei (image of God). Salvation as theosis is based on the restoration of the image of God in us, which in turn calls for the restoration of communion with God, resulting in a change in human nature, i.e., ontological consequences.

According to Robert Arakaki, author at Orthodox Reformed Bridge:
{{cquote|Many Protestants find the doctrine of theosis dubious despite the fact it is found in Scripture. We read in 2 Peter 1:3-4. This does not mean we participate in God’s essence (ousia). Rather we are transformed into the likeness of Christ through participation in his grace, i.e., divine energies. The footnote commentary in the Orthodox Study Bible for 2 Peter 1:4 reads:

*''This [Theosis] does not mean we become divine by nature. If we participated in God’s essence, the distinction between God and man would be abolished. What this does mean is that we participate in God’s energy, described by a number of terms in scripture, such as glory, life, love, virtue, and power. We are to become like God by his grace and truly His adopted children, but never becoming God by nature.''

The phrase “participate in the divine nature” (NIV) or “partakers of the divine nature” (KJV, OSB) is a translation of: “γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως.” [Greek NT] The Greek for “participate” or “share” is κοινωνος (koinonos) which has a range of meanings. It has been used with reference to sharing in glory (1 Peter 5:1), sharing in Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10), and fellowship in the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:1). It can have a spiritual/sacramental sense. Participation in a religious service, Christian or otherwise, has definite spiritual consequences. Participation in a pagan sacrifice results in participation with demonic forces (1 Corinthians 10:20) and likewise participation in the Eucharist results in participation in Christ’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16). The emphasis here is on participation, transformation, and experiential change, rather than a judicial declaration of legal status. This distinction is central to the different attitude Orthodox and the Reformed have toward the fullness of salvation in Christ.<ref>https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxbridge/theosis-and-our-salvation-in-christ/</ref>}}

Robert Arakaki also remarks that "The reference to the visible transformation of Moses’ appearance in 2 Corinthians 3:13 points to an ontological transformation, not just behavioral and attitudinal changes. Theosis also has eschatological implications," with Arakaki noting 1 John 3:2-3.

== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Metropolitan of Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Saba, [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence Metropolitan Jacques Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Damaskinos, [[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Sergio, Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ignatius, Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Basilios, [[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.)
====Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.====
Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-iggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to Russian physicist Andrey Volkov, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; [[Orthodox Easter]] often occurs at a later date than [[Easter | Western Easter]] 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

This disagreement has arisen several times over the years:<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOgnERhs-c</ref>
*In 1832 the Greek Orthodox Church was declared autocephalous by the secular Greek government, a move not recognized by Constantinople. However, in 1850 Constantinople did declare the body to be autocephalous, but as it was BOTH within the geographical territory of Constantinople AND declared such by its Patriarch, the overarching issue was not resolved.
*A similar issue took place when the Bulgarian, Serbian, and Romanian bodies were declared autocephalous, as they were in the same situation as the Greek church before.
*In 1917, the Russian Church declared the Georgian Orthodox Church (at that time under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, which Constantinople did not recognize at the time, but in 1990 it finally did so.
*In 1970, the Russian Church declared the American Orthodox Church (which is under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, a decision Constantinople did not recognize and still does not.

The disagreement has come to the forefront over recognition of the Ukrainian Orthodox body, resulting in Constantinople declaring the Russian Church in 2019 to be schismatic.
{{Christianity}}
In 2022, it was reported that attendance at Russian Orthodox Church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20230317141802/https://mercatornet.com/few-russians-go-to-church-many-who-dont-may-still-be-influenced-by-their-patriarchs-tirades/78666/ attendance at Russian Orthodox church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.]</ref>

Also, according to a 2019 report "Using data from surveys carried out by the Higher School of Economics in Moscow in 2018, the sociologist Yana Roshchina worked out that while almost 81 percent of adult Russians consider themselves Orthodox, this is often a declaration of identity rather than faith. Just 6 percent of the population and 43 percent of believers go to church several times a month. According to Interior Ministry statistics, 4.3 million people across the country attended Easter services in 2019 – around 100,000 fewer than a year before."<ref>[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/05/29/russians-are-not-waiting-for-a-church-boom-a65792 Russians Are Not Waiting for a Church Boom], 2019</ref>

Pew Research reported in 2017: "Relatively few Orthodox or Catholic adults in Central and Eastern Europe say they regularly attend worship services, pray often or consider religion central to their lives. For example, a median of just 10% of Orthodox Christians across the region say they go to church on a weekly basis."<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2017/05/10/religious-belief-and-national-belonging-in-central-and-eastern-europe/ Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe], Pew Research, 2017</ref>

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== Oriental Orthodox Churches ==

''See:'' [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] Unlike other Orthodox churches, Oriental Orthodox churches are ''NOT'' under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. '''They are separate denominations.'''

The [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] are Eastern Christian churches adhering to [[Miaphysite Christology]], with approximately 50 million members worldwide.
*Some of them were formed in the [[Great_Schism | Chalcedonian Schism]] of 451 AD.

*The [[Indian Orthodox Church| Malankara Orthodox Church]] in India, just separated by distance, so was always run as an Autocephalous church under the Catholicos of the Apostolic throne of St. Thomas.

== History of the Orthodox Church in North America ==
===The Russians===
In 1794 several monks from Russia's northeastern monasteries began working with the native population of Kodiak and Unalaska Islands. Among those monks was St. Herman.

St. Herman was born in the town of Serpukhov in the [[Moscow]] Diocese around 1756. At the age of 16, he entered the monastic life at the Trinity-St. Sergius Hermitage near St. Petersburg. While here he developed a severe throat infection from which he nearly died. After fervent prayer before an icon of the Theotokos, he fell into a deep sleep. During this sleep, He dreamed that he was healed by the Virgin and upon waking, he had completely recovered. A few years later, he moved to the Valaam Monastery on [[Lake Ladoga]]. At this time the Golikov-Shelikov Company - licensed to exploit the resources of Alaska - requested monks to work in a new Alaskan mission. Father Herman was among the eight monks selected. They arrived on Kodiak Island on September 24, 1794, and immediately set out on the task of educating and converting the natives. Eventually, only Fr. Herman survived from this original mission.
[[Image:Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.jpg|thumb|300px|Orthodox Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.]]
The members of the mission felt that it was their duty to protect the Alaskans from harm and exploitation. They defended them against the often cruel treatment of the Russian-American Company which controlled the colony under the leadership of the cruel Alexander Baranov. As a result of their protests, and because they tried to place the natives under imperial protection by administering an oath of allegiance to the Czar to them, Baranov threatened the monks with physical violence and even placed them under house arrest.

Sometime between 1808 and 1818, Fr. Herman went to Spruce Island. He spent the rest of his life on the island, where he cared for orphans, established and ran a school, and continued his missionary work. He lived the ascetic life which has been standard since the time of the Desert Fathers. He built a small chapel and guest house. Food for himself and the orphans was produced from his own experimental garden. He wore the simplest clothing and his cell was practically empty. His life was devoted to prayer and to following the services he could do as a layman who had not been ordained.

His love grew to the point that he could see into the hearts of his spiritual children and help them. The natives regarded him as their intercessor before God. When there was a tidal wave (tsunami) on the Island, Fr. Herman took an Icon of the Theotokos, placed it on the beach and assured the people that the water would not rise beyond the place where the Icon was, and it did not. When there was a great fire on the island, he dug a trench and stayed the flames. Prior to his death he foretold that there would be no priest to bury him and that he would be forgotten for 30 years. He died on December 12, 1837, and was forgotten until 1867 when Bishop Peter of Alaska heard about him and had his life investigated. This investigation was followed by publications of his life in 1894, 1900, and 1952. In 1952 an Akathist Hymn was composed, and on March 11, 1969, the Great Council of Bishops solemnly proclaimed the Act of the Universal Church Canonization of the Staretz Herman to Sainthood in the Orthodox Church in America: "Taking into consideration the long and undisputed witness of the grace of God, appearing through the servant of God, the Staretz Herman of Alaska." The Canonization was performed on August 7–9, 1970.

In 1822, the Holy Synod of Russia decided it was time to send a priest to perfect the work of the monks. A priest named Ionn volunteered to be that priest. In 1823, the 26 year old Fr. Ionn and his family set off for Unalaska Island. He built a church with his own hands, learned the language of the local people, the Aleuts, composed an alphabet for their previously unwritten language, and translated the Gospel of Matthew into Aleutian. He also translated a catechism and some liturgical books for the Aleuts, and wrote the first book ever written in the Aleutian language, a brief course in dogmatics entitled, “A Guideline to the Kingdom of God". Considered one of the best catechetical courses and educational aids for children and youth, this course has been reprinted in several languages many times since.

Fr. Ionn established a school with an enrollment of 600 children, built a hospital, and fought hard against the practice of polygamy that treated women as property. After ten years on the island, Father Ioann had baptized all of the people in the archipelago. He made a trip in 1829 to Nushegak on the American continent and preached the Word of God to people who lived on the [[Bering Sea]] coast and baptized those who came to believe.

In 1839, Fr. Ionn returned to Russia to convince the Holy Synod of the need for establishing a permanent mission in North America. While he was on this trip back home, he received the news of the death of his wife. After a pilgrimage to St. Sergius Monastery of the Holy Trinity and to the shrines in Kiev, Archpriest Ioann, on the advice of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, took monastic vows on November 29. He took the name of Innocent, after Bishop Innocent of Irkutsk, and was elevated to the rank of archimandrite on the following day. In 1840, the Holy Synod in Moscow created a new diocese in North America and consecrated the Archimandrite Innocent as its new Bishop. In 1855, St. Innocent was elevated to Metropolitan of Moscow. While serving in that capacity, he established the Orthodox Missionary Society to help fund mission work. He was concerned for arranging the work of theological schools in his diocese, opened a school for icon-painting and other arts for poor children and orphans, transformed Philaret's college into a school for daughters of the clergy who did not receive any pensions or allowances, founded the large Ostrovsky alms-house, and wrote educational aids for the clergy of the staff list, as well as their widows and orphans.

At the same time, the great enlightener continued his concern for the Russian Orthodox Church in North America. It was on his initiative that the Holy Governing Synod chose San Francisco as the bishop's See. Metropolitan Innocent also emphasized the need for the clergy to know English and for the Church to train priests from among local Americans as a necessary condition for strengthening Orthodoxy in the American continent.

Feeling his death approaching, Metropolitan Innocent of Moscow and Kolomna asked on the Great Tuesday, 27 March 1879, that the Sacrament of Holy Unction be administered to him. On the Great Thursday, 29 March, he Communed. On Great and Holy Saturday, March 31, the Metropolitan, Equal to the Apostles, fell asleep in the Lord.

The Orthodox Church's next great burst of growth in America occurred during the ministry of St. Tikhon of Moscow, the Enlightener of North America.

St. Tikhon was a missionary bishop to North America. During his short ministry in North America he became a U.S. Citizen, and the Church grew from 15 parishes to 70 parishes. He was called back to Moscow in 1907. He was elected Metropolitan on August 15, 1917. On November 5 of the same year he was selected, by drawing lots, to be the Patriarch of Moscow and all the Rus’. The Communists accused him of sabotage and imprisoned him from April 1922 through June 1923. He fell ill and was hospitalized in 1924, and fell asleep in the Lord on March 25, 1925, just two days after serving his last Divine Liturgy.

One of St. Tikhon's most important decisions during his time in North America had to do with how to minister to Orthodox Christians from the Middle East who were arriving on the East Coast. He realized that these newest members of his flock needed someone who could speak their language and who was familiar with their distinct customs so he asked the Patriarch of Antioch to send him an Arabic-speaking priest.

The priest who arrived was Fr. Raphael Hawaweeny. In 1904, he was consecrated a Bishop by St. Tikhon and St. Innocent and from then until his death in 1915, he was known as Bishop Raphael of Brooklyn. During the course of his ministry, he established 29 parishes and assisted in the establishment of a monastery in [[Pennsylvania]]. He was recognized, even while living, as a saint but was not officially glorified by the Church until March 2000.

===The Russian Revolution===
With the rise of [[atheism|atheistic]] [[Communism]] in Russia and the corresponding infiltration of the KGB into the Orthodox Church in Russia, many Orthodox Christians in North America began clamoring for bishops they could trust. Additionally, the Russian Church split into two factions: The Metropolia (today known as the Orthodox Church in America or OCA) and the Patriarchal parishes. Essentially, the Patriarchate of Moscow sued the church in America for control of properties and actually won some of the cases. The parishes in those cases went under the direct jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Moscow. A third group of Russian bishops arrived in the United States following the Russian Revolution. They called themselves the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. For a while, they merged with the Metropolia but they did not think of themselves as Americans or as missionaries to America. They were intent on keeping Russian culture alive among the exiles and returning to Russia someday. They eventually split off from the Metropolia.

Amidst this confusion, there was a desire for bishops from the “old country”; that is, Serbs wanted a Serb bishop, Albanians wanted an Albanian bishop, etc. And the Archbishops and Patriarchs from the “old countries” were happy to send them. Thus, right after the Russian Revolution, what had been an administratively unified Church in the U.S. became administratively fragmented.

Around 1998, former KGB agent Konstantin Preobrazhensky investigated some recent deaths among the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, including Archpriest Lev Lebedev of Kursk in April 1998, and suspected that then-FSB head [[Vladimir Putin]] had been involved in the assassination.<ref>https://westernfreepress.com/2017/12/21/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref><ref>https://www.trevorloudon.com/2017/12/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref>

== The Present Situation in North America ==
[[Image:Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City Tennessee.jpg|thumb|300px|Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City, Tennessee.]]
Orthodox Churches in America today. The Orthodox Church continues to grow in North America. Most of its bishops were born in America, many having converted (either from religions outside Christianity or other Christian churches) as adults. The Orthodox church has experienced a couple of waves of mass conversions, such as when several thousand Byzantine-rite Catholics converted in the early 20th Century.
 
The Orthodox in America have established one undergraduate college, Holy Cross in Boston as well as several seminaries (including Anchorage, [[New York]], [[Boston]], and Pennsylvania), one practical ministerial institute (Penn.), and a graduate school for lay theologians (Berkeley). Some of their parishes have Saturday schools where Greek, Russian, and other languages as well as theology and culture are taught to children. A few parishes have established High Schools and elementary schools.
 
Several monasteries have been established for men and women, and two (one in New York and one in Miami) have converted from other churches and have become Orthodox monasteries.

===Orthodox Church in America===
OCA was started in 1921. After the Russian Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives</ref>. After decades of a very cold relationship, in 1970 the Metropolia was granted [[autocephalous|autocephaly]] (think of it as administrative independence) by the current Patriarch of Moscow and became known as the [[Orthodox Church in America]] (OCA). When that happened, numbers of the Romanian, Bulgarian, and Albanian Churches in the USA and Canada merged with the OCA. However, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (who claims he alone has the right to grant autocephaly to a church) has never recognized the autocephaly of the [[Orthodox Church in America]]. '''OCA continues to add members via conversions from other Christian churches or from non-Christians.''' The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) primarily uses English for its services, although it also incorporates other languages<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orthodox-Church-in-America</ref>. The [[Primate (church) | Primate]] and Chancery offices of the [[Orthodox Church in America]] are located in the canonical territory of the Archdiocese of Washington DC<ref>https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/bishops/the-most-blessed-tikhon</ref>. See Also '''[https://www.oca.org/ OCA]'''

===Antiochian Orthodox Church===
[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch]]. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church, along with Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome. The Archdiocese is autonomous, the Synod of Antioch still picks its bishop, from a list of three candidates nominated by [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | North American archdiocese]]. The archbishop resides in Englewood NJ<ref>https://www.antiochian.org/home</ref>It uses native languages for its services.<ref>https://stmichaeltx.org/orthodox-101/worship-services/what-language-are-the-services-in/</ref> See Also '''[https://www.antiochian.org/home Antiochian]'''

===Greek Orthodox Church===
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was the eparchy incorporated in 1921 under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople. In 1996, the archdiocese was split by the Ecumenical Patriarchate into four parts, those of [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | America]], [[ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada | Canada]], [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises | Central America]], and [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises |South America]]<ref>https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-history-of-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-1922-2022/</ref>. See Church of Constantinople above.

===Russian Orthodox Church===
The [[Russian Orthodox Church]] in America are under the authority of the Patriarch of Russia and Moscow. The Patriarchal Parishes in the USA is a canonical branch of Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) combining parishes and monasteries in the United States and Mexico. The Patriarchal Parishes were all that was left in 1970, with the granting of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in America<ref>https://www.mospatusa.com/history.html</ref> <ref>https://www.oca.org/questions/namerica/russian-orthodox-church-in-america</ref>.
===Ukrainian Orthodox Church===
[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]] leader is a Metropolitan bishop in New Jersey.<ref>https://uocofusa.org/</ref>. In 1921 the Church was formed by Priests who left the Roman Catholic [[Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church | Byzantine Rite Ukrainian Church]]. One of them was Joseph Zuk who was later consecrated a bishop and in 1936 they accepted the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
*[[Pentarchy]]
*[[Demetrius, Patriarch of Alexandria]]
*[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[Petrine Primacy]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Afterlife]]
*[[Exorcism]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
*[[American_Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
</div>

==References==

<References/>

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N636PYURaFg Growth of the Orthodox Church in America], Masaman, October 19, 2024. [[YouTube]].
*[https://rumble.com/v23bagm-an-orthodox-priest-is-giving-incredibly-deep-spiritual-guidance-to-russian-.html An Orthodox priest is giving incredibly deep spiritual guidance to Russian soldiers]

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Ukraine]]
[[Category:Russian History]]
[[Category:Orthodox Church]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]
[[Category:Byzantine]]

Orthodox Church

2026-09-04T02:32:56Z

Cool6dad: /* Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses */

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church.jpg|right|300px]]
The '''Orthodox Churches''' are the second largest body of [[Christians]], with an estimated membership between 250 million and 350 million people. The Orthodox Churches understand themselves to constitute the original Catholic Christian Church founded by [[Jesus Christ]]. Members believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Orthodox faith is notable for its use of [[icon]]s, candles, incense, relics of [[saint]]s, and beautiful vestments during her rich liturgical services. It is often confused with the Byzantine-rite Catholics who are in communion with the [[Pope]] of [[Rome]]. The Orthodox are not in communion with the [[Roman Catholics]], whom they view as holding several false doctrines. While in [[Western civilization|the West]], the Orthodox Churches may be thought of as the Church in [[Russia]], [[Greece]], and other [[Eastern European]] countries, they are present on all inhabited continents and in most countries worldwide. The original church or community of the East before the [[Great Schism]] in 1054 comprised: the Greek churches founded by [[Saint Paul]], and the Antiochian and Asia Minor churches founded by Saint Peter.<ref>[https://stbartsestes.org/questions-and-interesting-facts/which-apostle-started-the-greek-orthodox-church.html]</ref>

== Beliefs of Orthodox Christians ==
Orthodox Churches are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals signifying honor rather than authority.
While the Orthodox Church draws its beliefs from a very wide variety of sources, including the [[Gospels]], the other books of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]]s, the written histories, the writings and sayings of saints, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, angelic communication and other direct spiritual experiences, icons, the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) and many other things besides, the core of what they believe is contained in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and [[Apostolic Tradition|Tradition]], (the deposit of faith).

The Creed:

<blockquote>''I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the [[Holy Spirit]] and the [[Virgin Mary]], and became man. And He was crucified for us under [[Pontius Pilate]], and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. [[Amen]].''</blockquote>
[[Image:Malbis Church altar.jpg|thumb|Greek Orthodox Church outside Mobile, Alabama.]]
This creed is professed by all Orthodox Christians prior to baptism, and at every celebration of the Divine Liturgy (the main service of the Orthodox Church).

The [[Bible]]
The Orthodox regard the Bible as the main source of and rule against which the life, actions, words, and thoughts of the Church and her members are judged. Its role in the life of the church can not be overstated. It is read from at every service, in fact, most of the services of the Orthodox Church consist, at least in part, of chanting large portions of the Bible.

The Gospels are accorded a special place in the worship of the Orthodox Church. They are afforded great honor. For example, they are bound in Gold, often beset with gems, and separate from the rest of the Bible. They are carried in processions, they are kissed, they are bowed to, and they are censed. All stand when the Gospel is read during a service. When the Gospel is not being venerated or being read from it is kept on the Altar.

All Orthodox Christians are expected to read from the Gospels and the [[Epistles]] every day, except during [[Lent]] when Old Testament readings are assigned.

According to [[Protestantism]], the Orthodox Church like the Church of Rome, does not heed the biblical warning to reject traditions of men in favour of the Word of God.<ref>See [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A8-23&version=KJV Colossians 2:8-23]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+4%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Timothy 4:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A18-19&version=KJV 1 John 2:18-19]</ref> The Orthodox Church, like the Church of Rome, heeds the biblical command to faithfully keep to the traditions handed down by the apostles,<ref>See [[Apostolic succession]].</ref> implicitly and explicitly rooted firmly in the [[Biblical Canon|whole Orthodox Bible]] and the mind of Christ in the Church<ref>Greek ''ραράδοσις'' paradosis is variously translated in the New Testament as "ordinance", "tradition", "practice", "custom", "unwritten/oral teaching", as teachings received from the apostles and handed down (Lat. ''tradere'' "to deliver") according to the mind of Christ: [[Apostolic Tradition]] (compare Strong's number G3862). See various versions of [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 11:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+2%3A14-15&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A6&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:6]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A14&version=KJV 2 Timothy 1:14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Timothy 2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A2-4&version=KJV 2 Timothy 4:2-4]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+5%3A32-33&version=KJV Deuteronomy 5:32-33]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A17&version=KJV Hebrews 13:17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-18&version=KJV Matthew 18:15-18]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3%3A15&version=KJV 1 Timothy 3:15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A12-14&version=KJV John 16:12-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A10&version=KJV Ephesians 3:10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A30-31&version=KJV John 20:30-31]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A25&version=KJV John 21:25]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A12&version=KJV 2 John 12]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A9-10&version=KJV 2 John 9-10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+1%3A13-14&version=KJV 3 John 13-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A19&version=KJV Revelation 22:19]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=KJV Matthew 28:19-20]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A19-2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Peter 1:19–2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A15-17&version=KJV 2 Peter 3:15-17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2%3A10-16&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 2:10-16]</ref><ref>See also [https://www.openbible.info/topics/traditions 100 Bible Verses about Traditions (openbible.info)].</ref>

=== Theosis ===
Theosis is the belief that Christians can experience a union with God and become like him so much that they participate in the divine nature. Theosis does not mean that they become gods or merge with God, only that they are deified. These Christians are said not to participate in God's essence. Furthermore, this deification does not mean that a person stops sinning or no longer struggles with sin. Instead, theosis is a mystical union with God that proceeds throughout the person's life and culminates in the resurrection of the body. Some have said that this is equivalent to sanctification as taught in the Western churches.<ref>https://carm.org/what-is-theosis</ref>

Verses that Eastern Orthodox Christians use to support theosis include John 17:22-23, 2 Peter 1:4, and 2 Corinthians 3:18. The biblical basis for theosis, according to Eastern Orthodox Christians, begins, however, with the creation account in Genesis, specifically 1:26. Theosis is implicit in the doctrine of the imago dei: humanity being made in the divine image.

The divine likeness implies our calling to be in communion with God, rendering man unique to the rest of Creation. This moves beyond the legal model, which focuses more on our external legal or judicial status and good moral behavior – rather than the transformation of our inner nature. As a result of Adam and Eve's sin, the image of God has become marred in us. In the Incarnation, God came to restore the imago dei (image of God). Salvation as theosis is based on the restoration of the image of God in us, which in turn calls for the restoration of communion with God, resulting in a change in human nature, i.e., ontological consequences.

According to Robert Arakaki, author at Orthodox Reformed Bridge:
{{cquote|Many Protestants find the doctrine of theosis dubious despite the fact it is found in Scripture. We read in 2 Peter 1:3-4. This does not mean we participate in God’s essence (ousia). Rather we are transformed into the likeness of Christ through participation in his grace, i.e., divine energies. The footnote commentary in the Orthodox Study Bible for 2 Peter 1:4 reads:

*''This [Theosis] does not mean we become divine by nature. If we participated in God’s essence, the distinction between God and man would be abolished. What this does mean is that we participate in God’s energy, described by a number of terms in scripture, such as glory, life, love, virtue, and power. We are to become like God by his grace and truly His adopted children, but never becoming God by nature.''

The phrase “participate in the divine nature” (NIV) or “partakers of the divine nature” (KJV, OSB) is a translation of: “γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως.” [Greek NT] The Greek for “participate” or “share” is κοινωνος (koinonos) which has a range of meanings. It has been used with reference to sharing in glory (1 Peter 5:1), sharing in Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10), and fellowship in the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:1). It can have a spiritual/sacramental sense. Participation in a religious service, Christian or otherwise, has definite spiritual consequences. Participation in a pagan sacrifice results in participation with demonic forces (1 Corinthians 10:20) and likewise participation in the Eucharist results in participation in Christ’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16). The emphasis here is on participation, transformation, and experiential change, rather than a judicial declaration of legal status. This distinction is central to the different attitude Orthodox and the Reformed have toward the fullness of salvation in Christ.<ref>https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxbridge/theosis-and-our-salvation-in-christ/</ref>}}

Robert Arakaki also remarks that "The reference to the visible transformation of Moses’ appearance in 2 Corinthians 3:13 points to an ontological transformation, not just behavioral and attitudinal changes. Theosis also has eschatological implications," with Arakaki noting 1 John 3:2-3.

== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Metropolitan of Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Silwan (Oner), Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ignatius, Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Isaac, Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Saba, [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence Metropolitan Jacques Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Damaskinos, [[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Sergio, Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ignatius, Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Basilios, [[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.)
====Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.====
Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-iggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to Russian physicist Andrey Volkov, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; [[Orthodox Easter]] often occurs at a later date than [[Easter | Western Easter]] 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

This disagreement has arisen several times over the years:<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOgnERhs-c</ref>
*In 1832 the Greek Orthodox Church was declared autocephalous by the secular Greek government, a move not recognized by Constantinople. However, in 1850 Constantinople did declare the body to be autocephalous, but as it was BOTH within the geographical territory of Constantinople AND declared such by its Patriarch, the overarching issue was not resolved.
*A similar issue took place when the Bulgarian, Serbian, and Romanian bodies were declared autocephalous, as they were in the same situation as the Greek church before.
*In 1917, the Russian Church declared the Georgian Orthodox Church (at that time under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, which Constantinople did not recognize at the time, but in 1990 it finally did so.
*In 1970, the Russian Church declared the American Orthodox Church (which is under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, a decision Constantinople did not recognize and still does not.

The disagreement has come to the forefront over recognition of the Ukrainian Orthodox body, resulting in Constantinople declaring the Russian Church in 2019 to be schismatic.
{{Christianity}}
In 2022, it was reported that attendance at Russian Orthodox Church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20230317141802/https://mercatornet.com/few-russians-go-to-church-many-who-dont-may-still-be-influenced-by-their-patriarchs-tirades/78666/ attendance at Russian Orthodox church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.]</ref>

Also, according to a 2019 report "Using data from surveys carried out by the Higher School of Economics in Moscow in 2018, the sociologist Yana Roshchina worked out that while almost 81 percent of adult Russians consider themselves Orthodox, this is often a declaration of identity rather than faith. Just 6 percent of the population and 43 percent of believers go to church several times a month. According to Interior Ministry statistics, 4.3 million people across the country attended Easter services in 2019 – around 100,000 fewer than a year before."<ref>[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/05/29/russians-are-not-waiting-for-a-church-boom-a65792 Russians Are Not Waiting for a Church Boom], 2019</ref>

Pew Research reported in 2017: "Relatively few Orthodox or Catholic adults in Central and Eastern Europe say they regularly attend worship services, pray often or consider religion central to their lives. For example, a median of just 10% of Orthodox Christians across the region say they go to church on a weekly basis."<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2017/05/10/religious-belief-and-national-belonging-in-central-and-eastern-europe/ Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe], Pew Research, 2017</ref>

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== Oriental Orthodox Churches ==

''See:'' [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] Unlike other Orthodox churches, Oriental Orthodox churches are ''NOT'' under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. '''They are separate denominations.'''

The [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] are Eastern Christian churches adhering to [[Miaphysite Christology]], with approximately 50 million members worldwide.
*Some of them were formed in the [[Great_Schism | Chalcedonian Schism]] of 451 AD.

*The [[Indian Orthodox Church| Malankara Orthodox Church]] in India, just separated by distance, so was always run as an Autocephalous church under the Catholicos of the Apostolic throne of St. Thomas.

== History of the Orthodox Church in North America ==
===The Russians===
In 1794 several monks from Russia's northeastern monasteries began working with the native population of Kodiak and Unalaska Islands. Among those monks was St. Herman.

St. Herman was born in the town of Serpukhov in the [[Moscow]] Diocese around 1756. At the age of 16, he entered the monastic life at the Trinity-St. Sergius Hermitage near St. Petersburg. While here he developed a severe throat infection from which he nearly died. After fervent prayer before an icon of the Theotokos, he fell into a deep sleep. During this sleep, He dreamed that he was healed by the Virgin and upon waking, he had completely recovered. A few years later, he moved to the Valaam Monastery on [[Lake Ladoga]]. At this time the Golikov-Shelikov Company - licensed to exploit the resources of Alaska - requested monks to work in a new Alaskan mission. Father Herman was among the eight monks selected. They arrived on Kodiak Island on September 24, 1794, and immediately set out on the task of educating and converting the natives. Eventually, only Fr. Herman survived from this original mission.
[[Image:Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.jpg|thumb|300px|Orthodox Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.]]
The members of the mission felt that it was their duty to protect the Alaskans from harm and exploitation. They defended them against the often cruel treatment of the Russian-American Company which controlled the colony under the leadership of the cruel Alexander Baranov. As a result of their protests, and because they tried to place the natives under imperial protection by administering an oath of allegiance to the Czar to them, Baranov threatened the monks with physical violence and even placed them under house arrest.

Sometime between 1808 and 1818, Fr. Herman went to Spruce Island. He spent the rest of his life on the island, where he cared for orphans, established and ran a school, and continued his missionary work. He lived the ascetic life which has been standard since the time of the Desert Fathers. He built a small chapel and guest house. Food for himself and the orphans was produced from his own experimental garden. He wore the simplest clothing and his cell was practically empty. His life was devoted to prayer and to following the services he could do as a layman who had not been ordained.

His love grew to the point that he could see into the hearts of his spiritual children and help them. The natives regarded him as their intercessor before God. When there was a tidal wave (tsunami) on the Island, Fr. Herman took an Icon of the Theotokos, placed it on the beach and assured the people that the water would not rise beyond the place where the Icon was, and it did not. When there was a great fire on the island, he dug a trench and stayed the flames. Prior to his death he foretold that there would be no priest to bury him and that he would be forgotten for 30 years. He died on December 12, 1837, and was forgotten until 1867 when Bishop Peter of Alaska heard about him and had his life investigated. This investigation was followed by publications of his life in 1894, 1900, and 1952. In 1952 an Akathist Hymn was composed, and on March 11, 1969, the Great Council of Bishops solemnly proclaimed the Act of the Universal Church Canonization of the Staretz Herman to Sainthood in the Orthodox Church in America: "Taking into consideration the long and undisputed witness of the grace of God, appearing through the servant of God, the Staretz Herman of Alaska." The Canonization was performed on August 7–9, 1970.

In 1822, the Holy Synod of Russia decided it was time to send a priest to perfect the work of the monks. A priest named Ionn volunteered to be that priest. In 1823, the 26 year old Fr. Ionn and his family set off for Unalaska Island. He built a church with his own hands, learned the language of the local people, the Aleuts, composed an alphabet for their previously unwritten language, and translated the Gospel of Matthew into Aleutian. He also translated a catechism and some liturgical books for the Aleuts, and wrote the first book ever written in the Aleutian language, a brief course in dogmatics entitled, “A Guideline to the Kingdom of God". Considered one of the best catechetical courses and educational aids for children and youth, this course has been reprinted in several languages many times since.

Fr. Ionn established a school with an enrollment of 600 children, built a hospital, and fought hard against the practice of polygamy that treated women as property. After ten years on the island, Father Ioann had baptized all of the people in the archipelago. He made a trip in 1829 to Nushegak on the American continent and preached the Word of God to people who lived on the [[Bering Sea]] coast and baptized those who came to believe.

In 1839, Fr. Ionn returned to Russia to convince the Holy Synod of the need for establishing a permanent mission in North America. While he was on this trip back home, he received the news of the death of his wife. After a pilgrimage to St. Sergius Monastery of the Holy Trinity and to the shrines in Kiev, Archpriest Ioann, on the advice of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, took monastic vows on November 29. He took the name of Innocent, after Bishop Innocent of Irkutsk, and was elevated to the rank of archimandrite on the following day. In 1840, the Holy Synod in Moscow created a new diocese in North America and consecrated the Archimandrite Innocent as its new Bishop. In 1855, St. Innocent was elevated to Metropolitan of Moscow. While serving in that capacity, he established the Orthodox Missionary Society to help fund mission work. He was concerned for arranging the work of theological schools in his diocese, opened a school for icon-painting and other arts for poor children and orphans, transformed Philaret's college into a school for daughters of the clergy who did not receive any pensions or allowances, founded the large Ostrovsky alms-house, and wrote educational aids for the clergy of the staff list, as well as their widows and orphans.

At the same time, the great enlightener continued his concern for the Russian Orthodox Church in North America. It was on his initiative that the Holy Governing Synod chose San Francisco as the bishop's See. Metropolitan Innocent also emphasized the need for the clergy to know English and for the Church to train priests from among local Americans as a necessary condition for strengthening Orthodoxy in the American continent.

Feeling his death approaching, Metropolitan Innocent of Moscow and Kolomna asked on the Great Tuesday, 27 March 1879, that the Sacrament of Holy Unction be administered to him. On the Great Thursday, 29 March, he Communed. On Great and Holy Saturday, March 31, the Metropolitan, Equal to the Apostles, fell asleep in the Lord.

The Orthodox Church's next great burst of growth in America occurred during the ministry of St. Tikhon of Moscow, the Enlightener of North America.

St. Tikhon was a missionary bishop to North America. During his short ministry in North America he became a U.S. Citizen, and the Church grew from 15 parishes to 70 parishes. He was called back to Moscow in 1907. He was elected Metropolitan on August 15, 1917. On November 5 of the same year he was selected, by drawing lots, to be the Patriarch of Moscow and all the Rus’. The Communists accused him of sabotage and imprisoned him from April 1922 through June 1923. He fell ill and was hospitalized in 1924, and fell asleep in the Lord on March 25, 1925, just two days after serving his last Divine Liturgy.

One of St. Tikhon's most important decisions during his time in North America had to do with how to minister to Orthodox Christians from the Middle East who were arriving on the East Coast. He realized that these newest members of his flock needed someone who could speak their language and who was familiar with their distinct customs so he asked the Patriarch of Antioch to send him an Arabic-speaking priest.

The priest who arrived was Fr. Raphael Hawaweeny. In 1904, he was consecrated a Bishop by St. Tikhon and St. Innocent and from then until his death in 1915, he was known as Bishop Raphael of Brooklyn. During the course of his ministry, he established 29 parishes and assisted in the establishment of a monastery in [[Pennsylvania]]. He was recognized, even while living, as a saint but was not officially glorified by the Church until March 2000.

===The Russian Revolution===
With the rise of [[atheism|atheistic]] [[Communism]] in Russia and the corresponding infiltration of the KGB into the Orthodox Church in Russia, many Orthodox Christians in North America began clamoring for bishops they could trust. Additionally, the Russian Church split into two factions: The Metropolia (today known as the Orthodox Church in America or OCA) and the Patriarchal parishes. Essentially, the Patriarchate of Moscow sued the church in America for control of properties and actually won some of the cases. The parishes in those cases went under the direct jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Moscow. A third group of Russian bishops arrived in the United States following the Russian Revolution. They called themselves the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. For a while, they merged with the Metropolia but they did not think of themselves as Americans or as missionaries to America. They were intent on keeping Russian culture alive among the exiles and returning to Russia someday. They eventually split off from the Metropolia.

Amidst this confusion, there was a desire for bishops from the “old country”; that is, Serbs wanted a Serb bishop, Albanians wanted an Albanian bishop, etc. And the Archbishops and Patriarchs from the “old countries” were happy to send them. Thus, right after the Russian Revolution, what had been an administratively unified Church in the U.S. became administratively fragmented.

Around 1998, former KGB agent Konstantin Preobrazhensky investigated some recent deaths among the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, including Archpriest Lev Lebedev of Kursk in April 1998, and suspected that then-FSB head [[Vladimir Putin]] had been involved in the assassination.<ref>https://westernfreepress.com/2017/12/21/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref><ref>https://www.trevorloudon.com/2017/12/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref>

== The Present Situation in North America ==
[[Image:Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City Tennessee.jpg|thumb|300px|Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City, Tennessee.]]
Orthodox Churches in America today. The Orthodox Church continues to grow in North America. Most of its bishops were born in America, many having converted (either from religions outside Christianity or other Christian churches) as adults. The Orthodox church has experienced a couple of waves of mass conversions, such as when several thousand Byzantine-rite Catholics converted in the early 20th Century.
 
The Orthodox in America have established one undergraduate college, Holy Cross in Boston as well as several seminaries (including Anchorage, [[New York]], [[Boston]], and Pennsylvania), one practical ministerial institute (Penn.), and a graduate school for lay theologians (Berkeley). Some of their parishes have Saturday schools where Greek, Russian, and other languages as well as theology and culture are taught to children. A few parishes have established High Schools and elementary schools.
 
Several monasteries have been established for men and women, and two (one in New York and one in Miami) have converted from other churches and have become Orthodox monasteries.

===Orthodox Church in America===
OCA was started in 1921. After the Russian Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives</ref>. After decades of a very cold relationship, in 1970 the Metropolia was granted [[autocephalous|autocephaly]] (think of it as administrative independence) by the current Patriarch of Moscow and became known as the [[Orthodox Church in America]] (OCA). When that happened, numbers of the Romanian, Bulgarian, and Albanian Churches in the USA and Canada merged with the OCA. However, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (who claims he alone has the right to grant autocephaly to a church) has never recognized the autocephaly of the [[Orthodox Church in America]]. '''OCA continues to add members via conversions from other Christian churches or from non-Christians.''' The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) primarily uses English for its services, although it also incorporates other languages<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orthodox-Church-in-America</ref>. The [[Primate (church) | Primate]] and Chancery offices of the [[Orthodox Church in America]] are located in the canonical territory of the Archdiocese of Washington DC<ref>https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/bishops/the-most-blessed-tikhon</ref>. See Also '''[https://www.oca.org/ OCA]'''

===Antiochian Orthodox Church===
[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch]]. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church, along with Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome. The Archdiocese is autonomous, the Synod of Antioch still picks its bishop, from a list of three candidates nominated by [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | North American archdiocese]]. The archbishop resides in Englewood NJ<ref>https://www.antiochian.org/home</ref>It uses native languages for its services.<ref>https://stmichaeltx.org/orthodox-101/worship-services/what-language-are-the-services-in/</ref> See Also '''[https://www.antiochian.org/home Antiochian]'''

===Greek Orthodox Church===
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was the eparchy incorporated in 1921 under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople. In 1996, the archdiocese was split by the Ecumenical Patriarchate into four parts, those of [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | America]], [[ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada | Canada]], [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises | Central America]], and [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises |South America]]<ref>https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-history-of-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-1922-2022/</ref>. See Church of Constantinople above.

===Russian Orthodox Church===
The [[Russian Orthodox Church]] in America are under the authority of the Patriarch of Russia and Moscow. The Patriarchal Parishes in the USA is a canonical branch of Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) combining parishes and monasteries in the United States and Mexico. The Patriarchal Parishes were all that was left in 1970, with the granting of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in America<ref>https://www.mospatusa.com/history.html</ref> <ref>https://www.oca.org/questions/namerica/russian-orthodox-church-in-america</ref>.
===Ukrainian Orthodox Church===
[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]] leader is a Metropolitan bishop in New Jersey.<ref>https://uocofusa.org/</ref>. In 1921 the Church was formed by Priests who left the Roman Catholic [[Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church | Byzantine Rite Ukrainian Church]]. One of them was Joseph Zuk who was later consecrated a bishop and in 1936 they accepted the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
*[[Pentarchy]]
*[[Demetrius, Patriarch of Alexandria]]
*[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[Petrine Primacy]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Afterlife]]
*[[Exorcism]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
*[[American_Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
</div>

==References==

<References/>

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N636PYURaFg Growth of the Orthodox Church in America], Masaman, October 19, 2024. [[YouTube]].
*[https://rumble.com/v23bagm-an-orthodox-priest-is-giving-incredibly-deep-spiritual-guidance-to-russian-.html An Orthodox priest is giving incredibly deep spiritual guidance to Russian soldiers]

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Ukraine]]
[[Category:Russian History]]
[[Category:Orthodox Church]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]
[[Category:Byzantine]]

Society of St. Pius X

2026-09-04T02:01:40Z

Cool6dad: /* Creation and Beginnings */

[[File:Héraldique meuble Coeur vendéen.svg|thumbnail|250px]]
__FORCETOC__The '''Society of St. Pius X''' <ref>https://sspx.org/en</ref> is an international society made up of traditional [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] clergy. Founded with canonical approval in 1970<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> by the late [[Archbishop]] [[Marcel Lefebvre]], it is the largest [[Traditionalist Catholicism|Traditional Catholic]] organization in operation and currently administers the [[Sacraments]] (including the [[Traditional Latin Mass]]) in over 27 countries. There is much dispute regarding accusations of [[schism]] due to Archbishop Lefebvre's decision to consecrate 4 Bishops in 1988, disregarding the command of [[Pope John Paul II]].

==Creation and Beginnings==

The Society of St. Pius X <ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/organization</ref> originated as a reaction to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council within the Catholic Church. '''They reject [[Second Vatican Council]]'s encouragement of dialogue and cooperation with other Christian denominations and the current mass no longer being in Latin instead being in native languages.''' In 1968, a group of French seminarians grew concerned with the orthodoxy of their priestly training due to the [[New Left]] ideology which had infiltrated their seminaries.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> As a result, they sought out the recently retired Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, with the request that he adopt the task of overseeing their priestly formation. Originally reluctant to get involved, Archbishop Lefebvre was persuaded to relent, and later said that it would have been an abandonment of Church Tradition if he had ignored them. Thus, International Priestly Society of St. Pius X was unofficially created.

In 1970, the Bishop of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg, His Excellency Bishop Charriere, officially recognized the canonical validity of the new Society.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> At the same time, a group of Swiss laymen offered their property in Econe to the Archbishop as a seminary for future priests.

The canonical status was confirmed on February 18, 1971 by the prefect for the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal,<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> who praised the society's statutes and recognized it as an international Catholic society with the power to incardinate its clergy. Thus, the Society became legally recognized as a legitimate Catholic society, unable to be suppressed without a genuine reason or following strict canonical procedures.

==Strained Relations with Rome==

On June 10, 1971, Archbishop Lefebvre formally announces that he will not accept nor celebrate Pope Paul VI's Novus Ordo Mass, accusing it of being Protestant, based on the fact that six Protestant ministers collaborated in its creation,<ref>http://www.olrl.org/new_mass/evils.shtml</ref> and the fabrication of known Freemason Archbishop Annibal <ref>Bugnini.http://www.tanbooks.com/doct/vatican_liturgy.htm</ref> Archbishop Lefebvre would continue to voice these sentiments in denouncing the Novus Ordo Mass throughout the remainder of his life, often accusing it of being a 'bastard rite'.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914596-1,00.html</ref>
In response to Lefebvre's traditional Catholic stance, the French Episcopal Council denounced Econe as 'the wildcat seminary'.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_1.htm</ref>

In November 1974, two apostolic visitors from Rome arrive at Econe. Whilst speaking to the seminarians and teaching staff, they scandalise the faithful by giving support to contraception and ordination of married men. In response to this, Archbishop Lefebvre pens his Declaration, condemning Rome as 'neo-Modernist' and 'neo-Protestant', and pledging his allegiance to the traditional Catholic faith, regardless of what innovations Rome may espouse.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_I._declaration.htm</ref>

==Econe Consecrations==

His health failing, and fearing that his death may mark the end of the traditional Sacraments, Archbishop Lefebvre declared on February 2, 1988 that he intended to consecrate three Bishops, in order to keep the Sacraments of Confirmation and Ordination available to all Catholics. On hearing this news, Rome took the step of renewing negations with the Society and an agreement is reached on the May 5th, allowing the Society to become an approved Society of Apostolic Life and agreeing that one Society priest would be consecrated a Bishop at a time stated by Pope John Paul II. However, the Archbishop realised that no time limit was placed on Rome's assurances and, fearing that the agreement was a ploy to distract him until his death, announced that he would proceed with the Episcopal Consecrations on June 30, 1988.

On June 29, Rome made a last attempt to persuade the Archbishop not to continue with his intentions. A driver is sent to Econe and a promise is made that, if he returns to Rome with the driver, the Pope will personally speak to him and attempt to find another solution. The Archbishop refused.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On June 30, 1988, Archbishop Lefebre, alongside Brazilian Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer, consecrated four Bishops in the traditional rite of Consecration. The four priests consecrated were: Father Bernard Fellay, Father Richard Williamson, Father Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, and Father Alfonso de Galarreta. Before consecrating the men, Archbishop Lefebvre made it clear that he was not breaking with Rome, nor was he renouncing the Papacy of John Paul II. But he insisted that the Catholic Faith was not being voiced by Rome and, as a Bishop, he had a duty to preserve the Faith, whatever the cost. .<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On the 2nd July 1988, Pope John Paul II issued his Apostolic Letter 'Ecclesia Dei' in which he condemned the consecrations as 'unlawful', an act of 'disobedience' and, therefore, a 'schismatic act'.<ref>http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/motu_proprio/documents/hf_jp-ii_motu-proprio_02071988_ecclesia-dei_en.html</ref> As a result, the Pope claimed that the Archbishop and four new Bishops had automatically incurred the penalty of excommunication. However, the Pope did not formally excommunicate the five men, nor was he speaking ex cathedra but only as a private theologian. In either case according to the St Augustinian theory a bishop retains his power to ordain Priests and consecrate other bishops, even if excommunicated by the[[Roman_Catholic_Church | Roman Catholic Church]] so its bishops and priests are valid.

==The Society of St. Pius X Church in the 21st Century==
The Society of St. Pius X Church is governed by the [[Superior Religious order | Superior General]], who resides with his assistants, the Secretary General and the General Bursar, in the General House situated in Menzingen, Switzerland <ref>https://fsspx.org/en</ref>. SSPX is Organized into 14 districts worldwide similar to dioceses, each of which is entrusted to a local superior. Auxiliary bishops assist the districts. The USA is under one district a list of its churches can be found via this link <ref>https://sspx.org/en/list-sspx-chapels</ref>.

The Society has Priestly Seminaries in [[France]], [[Buenos Aires]] ([[Argentina]]) and other places.

===Continuing Disputes===
Pope Francis further restricts the saying of Mass in Latin which confirms SSPX as a separate church. <ref>https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-13fb8d27e538fc0aafec26a5087d387e</ref> Certain separate churches like this one are recognized to have valid but illicit bishops<ref>https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/22738/vatican-explains-teaching-on-illicit-ordinations</ref> and priests. However illicit bishops and priests can still perform valid sacraments <ref>https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/59640/which-sacraments-can-be-administered-validly-but-illicitly</ref> The bishops from the 1988 Society of St. Pius X Econe Consecrations 2 had passed away and others had grown very old, so '''on July 1 2026''' SSPX ordained 4 more bishops<ref>https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/defying-pope-and-facing-excommunication-sspx-consecrates-bishops-huge-outdoor</ref> <ref>https://nuntiatoria.org/2026/02/02/the-sspx-and-the-question-of-new-bishops-2/</ref>. '''Pope Leo XIV has excommunicated these bishops Priests and SSPX Church members which makes SSPX a separate church<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/02/vatican-excommunicates-all-members-of-ultra-conservative-rebels-sspx</ref><ref>https://fsspx.news/en/news/letter-holy-father-regarding-decree-dicastery-doctrine-faith-59956</ref>.''' However, these Bishops and Priests are still covered under [[Apostolic_succession#St_Augustinian_Theory | Apostolic Succession]], so can perform valid Sacraments.

==== Society of Saint Josaphat ====
The [[Traditional Catholic|Catholic Traditionalist]] of [[Roman Catholic Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)|Byzantine Rite]] assosiation, Priestly Society of Saint Josaphat (SSJK) which is assosiated with the Traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), its based on [[Lviv]], [[Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/es/news/ucrania-ordenaciones-para-la-fraternidad-san-josafat-19217|title=Ucrania: ordenaciones para la Fraternidad San Josafat|publisher=SSPX|language=es|date=5 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://infovaticana.com/2021/10/26/los-lefebvrianos-presumen-del-gran-numero-de-vocaciones-que-han-tenido-en-2021/|title=Los lefebvrianos presumen del gran número de vocaciones que han tenido en 2021|publisher=Info Vaticana|date=26 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sspx.au/en/news/interview-priest-society-saint-josaphat-war-ukraine-28055|title=An Interview with a Priest of the Society of Saint Josaphat on the War in Ukraine|date=17 July 2022|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/it/node/23067|title=Bishop de Galarreta Ordains Two Priests in Ukraine|date=6 December 2019|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref>
==== Society of St. Pius V ====
In 1983 the [https://stpiusvchapel.org/ Society of St. Pius V] A small group broke off from the Society of St. Pius X in the USA. Both now exist in the USA. <ref>https://sspv.org/index.php</ref>

==See also==
*[[Traditional Latin Mass]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Independent Catholic churches]]
*[[Biblical Canon]]

*[[Global Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
*[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox church]]
*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

==External links==
*[https://sspx.org/en Society of St. Pius X]
==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Catholic Church]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Society of St. Pius X

2026-09-04T01:58:55Z

Cool6dad: /* Creation and Beginnings */

[[File:Héraldique meuble Coeur vendéen.svg|thumbnail|250px]]
__FORCETOC__The '''Society of St. Pius X''' <ref>https://sspx.org/en</ref> is an international society made up of traditional [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] clergy. Founded with canonical approval in 1970<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> by the late [[Archbishop]] [[Marcel Lefebvre]], it is the largest [[Traditionalist Catholicism|Traditional Catholic]] organization in operation and currently administers the [[Sacraments]] (including the [[Traditional Latin Mass]]) in over 27 countries. There is much dispute regarding accusations of [[schism]] due to Archbishop Lefebvre's decision to consecrate 4 Bishops in 1988, disregarding the command of [[Pope John Paul II]].

==Creation and Beginnings==

The Society of St. Pius X <ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/organization</ref> originated as a reaction to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council within the Catholic Church. '''They reject [[Second Vatican Council]] encouragement of dialogue and cooperation with other Christian denominations and the current mass no longer being in Latin instead being in native languages.''' In 1968, a group of French seminarians grew concerned with the orthodoxy of their priestly training due to the [[New Left]] ideology which had infiltrated their seminaries.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> As a result, they sought out the recently retired Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, with the request that he adopt the task of overseeing their priestly formation. Originally reluctant to get involved, Archbishop Lefebvre was persuaded to relent, and later said that it would have been an abandonment of Church Tradition if he had ignored them. Thus, International Priestly Society of St. Pius X was unofficially created.

In 1970, the Bishop of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg, His Excellency Bishop Charriere, officially recognized the canonical validity of the new Society.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> At the same time, a group of Swiss laymen offered their property in Econe to the Archbishop as a seminary for future priests.

The canonical status was confirmed on February 18, 1971 by the prefect for the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal,<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> who praised the society's statutes and recognized it as an international Catholic society with the power to incardinate its clergy. Thus, the Society became legally recognized as a legitimate Catholic society, unable to be suppressed without a genuine reason or following strict canonical procedures.

==Strained Relations with Rome==

On June 10, 1971, Archbishop Lefebvre formally announces that he will not accept nor celebrate Pope Paul VI's Novus Ordo Mass, accusing it of being Protestant, based on the fact that six Protestant ministers collaborated in its creation,<ref>http://www.olrl.org/new_mass/evils.shtml</ref> and the fabrication of known Freemason Archbishop Annibal <ref>Bugnini.http://www.tanbooks.com/doct/vatican_liturgy.htm</ref> Archbishop Lefebvre would continue to voice these sentiments in denouncing the Novus Ordo Mass throughout the remainder of his life, often accusing it of being a 'bastard rite'.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914596-1,00.html</ref>
In response to Lefebvre's traditional Catholic stance, the French Episcopal Council denounced Econe as 'the wildcat seminary'.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_1.htm</ref>

In November 1974, two apostolic visitors from Rome arrive at Econe. Whilst speaking to the seminarians and teaching staff, they scandalise the faithful by giving support to contraception and ordination of married men. In response to this, Archbishop Lefebvre pens his Declaration, condemning Rome as 'neo-Modernist' and 'neo-Protestant', and pledging his allegiance to the traditional Catholic faith, regardless of what innovations Rome may espouse.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_I._declaration.htm</ref>

==Econe Consecrations==

His health failing, and fearing that his death may mark the end of the traditional Sacraments, Archbishop Lefebvre declared on February 2, 1988 that he intended to consecrate three Bishops, in order to keep the Sacraments of Confirmation and Ordination available to all Catholics. On hearing this news, Rome took the step of renewing negations with the Society and an agreement is reached on the May 5th, allowing the Society to become an approved Society of Apostolic Life and agreeing that one Society priest would be consecrated a Bishop at a time stated by Pope John Paul II. However, the Archbishop realised that no time limit was placed on Rome's assurances and, fearing that the agreement was a ploy to distract him until his death, announced that he would proceed with the Episcopal Consecrations on June 30, 1988.

On June 29, Rome made a last attempt to persuade the Archbishop not to continue with his intentions. A driver is sent to Econe and a promise is made that, if he returns to Rome with the driver, the Pope will personally speak to him and attempt to find another solution. The Archbishop refused.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On June 30, 1988, Archbishop Lefebre, alongside Brazilian Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer, consecrated four Bishops in the traditional rite of Consecration. The four priests consecrated were: Father Bernard Fellay, Father Richard Williamson, Father Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, and Father Alfonso de Galarreta. Before consecrating the men, Archbishop Lefebvre made it clear that he was not breaking with Rome, nor was he renouncing the Papacy of John Paul II. But he insisted that the Catholic Faith was not being voiced by Rome and, as a Bishop, he had a duty to preserve the Faith, whatever the cost. .<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On the 2nd July 1988, Pope John Paul II issued his Apostolic Letter 'Ecclesia Dei' in which he condemned the consecrations as 'unlawful', an act of 'disobedience' and, therefore, a 'schismatic act'.<ref>http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/motu_proprio/documents/hf_jp-ii_motu-proprio_02071988_ecclesia-dei_en.html</ref> As a result, the Pope claimed that the Archbishop and four new Bishops had automatically incurred the penalty of excommunication. However, the Pope did not formally excommunicate the five men, nor was he speaking ex cathedra but only as a private theologian. In either case according to the St Augustinian theory a bishop retains his power to ordain Priests and consecrate other bishops, even if excommunicated by the[[Roman_Catholic_Church | Roman Catholic Church]] so its bishops and priests are valid.

==The Society of St. Pius X Church in the 21st Century==
The Society of St. Pius X Church is governed by the [[Superior Religious order | Superior General]], who resides with his assistants, the Secretary General and the General Bursar, in the General House situated in Menzingen, Switzerland <ref>https://fsspx.org/en</ref>. SSPX is Organized into 14 districts worldwide similar to dioceses, each of which is entrusted to a local superior. Auxiliary bishops assist the districts. The USA is under one district a list of its churches can be found via this link <ref>https://sspx.org/en/list-sspx-chapels</ref>.

The Society has Priestly Seminaries in [[France]], [[Buenos Aires]] ([[Argentina]]) and other places.

===Continuing Disputes===
Pope Francis further restricts the saying of Mass in Latin which confirms SSPX as a separate church. <ref>https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-13fb8d27e538fc0aafec26a5087d387e</ref> Certain separate churches like this one are recognized to have valid but illicit bishops<ref>https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/22738/vatican-explains-teaching-on-illicit-ordinations</ref> and priests. However illicit bishops and priests can still perform valid sacraments <ref>https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/59640/which-sacraments-can-be-administered-validly-but-illicitly</ref> The bishops from the 1988 Society of St. Pius X Econe Consecrations 2 had passed away and others had grown very old, so '''on July 1 2026''' SSPX ordained 4 more bishops<ref>https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/defying-pope-and-facing-excommunication-sspx-consecrates-bishops-huge-outdoor</ref> <ref>https://nuntiatoria.org/2026/02/02/the-sspx-and-the-question-of-new-bishops-2/</ref>. '''Pope Leo XIV has excommunicated these bishops Priests and SSPX Church members which makes SSPX a separate church<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/02/vatican-excommunicates-all-members-of-ultra-conservative-rebels-sspx</ref><ref>https://fsspx.news/en/news/letter-holy-father-regarding-decree-dicastery-doctrine-faith-59956</ref>.''' However, these Bishops and Priests are still covered under [[Apostolic_succession#St_Augustinian_Theory | Apostolic Succession]], so can perform valid Sacraments.

==== Society of Saint Josaphat ====
The [[Traditional Catholic|Catholic Traditionalist]] of [[Roman Catholic Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)|Byzantine Rite]] assosiation, Priestly Society of Saint Josaphat (SSJK) which is assosiated with the Traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), its based on [[Lviv]], [[Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/es/news/ucrania-ordenaciones-para-la-fraternidad-san-josafat-19217|title=Ucrania: ordenaciones para la Fraternidad San Josafat|publisher=SSPX|language=es|date=5 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://infovaticana.com/2021/10/26/los-lefebvrianos-presumen-del-gran-numero-de-vocaciones-que-han-tenido-en-2021/|title=Los lefebvrianos presumen del gran número de vocaciones que han tenido en 2021|publisher=Info Vaticana|date=26 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sspx.au/en/news/interview-priest-society-saint-josaphat-war-ukraine-28055|title=An Interview with a Priest of the Society of Saint Josaphat on the War in Ukraine|date=17 July 2022|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/it/node/23067|title=Bishop de Galarreta Ordains Two Priests in Ukraine|date=6 December 2019|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref>
==== Society of St. Pius V ====
In 1983 the [https://stpiusvchapel.org/ Society of St. Pius V] A small group broke off from the Society of St. Pius X in the USA. Both now exist in the USA. <ref>https://sspv.org/index.php</ref>

==See also==
*[[Traditional Latin Mass]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Independent Catholic churches]]
*[[Biblical Canon]]

*[[Global Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
*[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox church]]
*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

==External links==
*[https://sspx.org/en Society of St. Pius X]
==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Catholic Church]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Society of St. Pius X

2026-09-04T01:44:44Z

Cool6dad: /* The Society of St. Pius X Church Today */

[[File:Héraldique meuble Coeur vendéen.svg|thumbnail|250px]]
__FORCETOC__The '''Society of St. Pius X''' <ref>https://sspx.org/en</ref> is an international society made up of traditional [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] clergy. Founded with canonical approval in 1970<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> by the late [[Archbishop]] [[Marcel Lefebvre]], it is the largest [[Traditionalist Catholicism|Traditional Catholic]] organization in operation and currently administers the [[Sacraments]] (including the [[Traditional Latin Mass]]) in over 27 countries. There is much dispute regarding accusations of [[schism]] due to Archbishop Lefebvre's decision to consecrate 4 Bishops in 1988, disregarding the command of [[Pope John Paul II]].

==Creation and Beginnings==

The Society of St. Pius X <ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/organization</ref> originated as a reaction to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council within the Catholic Church. In 1968, a group of French seminarians grew concerned with the orthodoxy of their priestly training due to the [[New Left]] ideology which had infiltrated their seminaries.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> As a result, they sought out the recently retired Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, with the request that he adopt the task of overseeing their priestly formation. Originally reluctant to get involved, Archbishop Lefebvre was persuaded to relent, and later said that it would have been an abandonment of Church Tradition if he had ignored them. Thus, International Priestly Society of St. Pius X was unofficially created.

In 1970, the Bishop of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg, His Excellency Bishop Charriere, officially recognized the canonical validity of the new Society.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> At the same time, a group of Swiss laymen offered their property in Econe to the Archbishop as a seminary for future priests.

The canonical status was confirmed on February 18, 1971 by the prefect for the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal,<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> who praised the society's statutes and recognized it as an international Catholic society with the power to incardinate its clergy. Thus, the Society became legally recognized as a legitimate Catholic society, unable to be suppressed without a genuine reason or following strict canonical procedures.

==Strained Relations with Rome==

On June 10, 1971, Archbishop Lefebvre formally announces that he will not accept nor celebrate Pope Paul VI's Novus Ordo Mass, accusing it of being Protestant, based on the fact that six Protestant ministers collaborated in its creation,<ref>http://www.olrl.org/new_mass/evils.shtml</ref> and the fabrication of known Freemason Archbishop Annibal <ref>Bugnini.http://www.tanbooks.com/doct/vatican_liturgy.htm</ref> Archbishop Lefebvre would continue to voice these sentiments in denouncing the Novus Ordo Mass throughout the remainder of his life, often accusing it of being a 'bastard rite'.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914596-1,00.html</ref>
In response to Lefebvre's traditional Catholic stance, the French Episcopal Council denounced Econe as 'the wildcat seminary'.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_1.htm</ref>

In November 1974, two apostolic visitors from Rome arrive at Econe. Whilst speaking to the seminarians and teaching staff, they scandalise the faithful by giving support to contraception and ordination of married men. In response to this, Archbishop Lefebvre pens his Declaration, condemning Rome as 'neo-Modernist' and 'neo-Protestant', and pledging his allegiance to the traditional Catholic faith, regardless of what innovations Rome may espouse.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_I._declaration.htm</ref>

==Econe Consecrations==

His health failing, and fearing that his death may mark the end of the traditional Sacraments, Archbishop Lefebvre declared on February 2, 1988 that he intended to consecrate three Bishops, in order to keep the Sacraments of Confirmation and Ordination available to all Catholics. On hearing this news, Rome took the step of renewing negations with the Society and an agreement is reached on the May 5th, allowing the Society to become an approved Society of Apostolic Life and agreeing that one Society priest would be consecrated a Bishop at a time stated by Pope John Paul II. However, the Archbishop realised that no time limit was placed on Rome's assurances and, fearing that the agreement was a ploy to distract him until his death, announced that he would proceed with the Episcopal Consecrations on June 30, 1988.

On June 29, Rome made a last attempt to persuade the Archbishop not to continue with his intentions. A driver is sent to Econe and a promise is made that, if he returns to Rome with the driver, the Pope will personally speak to him and attempt to find another solution. The Archbishop refused.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On June 30, 1988, Archbishop Lefebre, alongside Brazilian Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer, consecrated four Bishops in the traditional rite of Consecration. The four priests consecrated were: Father Bernard Fellay, Father Richard Williamson, Father Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, and Father Alfonso de Galarreta. Before consecrating the men, Archbishop Lefebvre made it clear that he was not breaking with Rome, nor was he renouncing the Papacy of John Paul II. But he insisted that the Catholic Faith was not being voiced by Rome and, as a Bishop, he had a duty to preserve the Faith, whatever the cost. .<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On the 2nd July 1988, Pope John Paul II issued his Apostolic Letter 'Ecclesia Dei' in which he condemned the consecrations as 'unlawful', an act of 'disobedience' and, therefore, a 'schismatic act'.<ref>http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/motu_proprio/documents/hf_jp-ii_motu-proprio_02071988_ecclesia-dei_en.html</ref> As a result, the Pope claimed that the Archbishop and four new Bishops had automatically incurred the penalty of excommunication. However, the Pope did not formally excommunicate the five men, nor was he speaking ex cathedra but only as a private theologian. In either case according to the St Augustinian theory a bishop retains his power to ordain Priests and consecrate other bishops, even if excommunicated by the[[Roman_Catholic_Church | Roman Catholic Church]] so its bishops and priests are valid.

==The Society of St. Pius X Church in the 21st Century==
The Society of St. Pius X Church is governed by the [[Superior Religious order | Superior General]], who resides with his assistants, the Secretary General and the General Bursar, in the General House situated in Menzingen, Switzerland <ref>https://fsspx.org/en</ref>. SSPX is Organized into 14 districts worldwide similar to dioceses, each of which is entrusted to a local superior. Auxiliary bishops assist the districts. The USA is under one district a list of its churches can be found via this link <ref>https://sspx.org/en/list-sspx-chapels</ref>.

The Society has Priestly Seminaries in [[France]], [[Buenos Aires]] ([[Argentina]]) and other places.

===Continuing Disputes===
Pope Francis further restricts the saying of Mass in Latin which confirms SSPX as a separate church. <ref>https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-13fb8d27e538fc0aafec26a5087d387e</ref> Certain separate churches like this one are recognized to have valid but illicit bishops<ref>https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/22738/vatican-explains-teaching-on-illicit-ordinations</ref> and priests. However illicit bishops and priests can still perform valid sacraments <ref>https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/59640/which-sacraments-can-be-administered-validly-but-illicitly</ref> The bishops from the 1988 Society of St. Pius X Econe Consecrations 2 had passed away and others had grown very old, so '''on July 1 2026''' SSPX ordained 4 more bishops<ref>https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/defying-pope-and-facing-excommunication-sspx-consecrates-bishops-huge-outdoor</ref> <ref>https://nuntiatoria.org/2026/02/02/the-sspx-and-the-question-of-new-bishops-2/</ref>. '''Pope Leo XIV has excommunicated these bishops Priests and SSPX Church members which makes SSPX a separate church<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/02/vatican-excommunicates-all-members-of-ultra-conservative-rebels-sspx</ref><ref>https://fsspx.news/en/news/letter-holy-father-regarding-decree-dicastery-doctrine-faith-59956</ref>.''' However, these Bishops and Priests are still covered under [[Apostolic_succession#St_Augustinian_Theory | Apostolic Succession]], so can perform valid Sacraments.

==== Society of Saint Josaphat ====
The [[Traditional Catholic|Catholic Traditionalist]] of [[Roman Catholic Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)|Byzantine Rite]] assosiation, Priestly Society of Saint Josaphat (SSJK) which is assosiated with the Traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), its based on [[Lviv]], [[Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/es/news/ucrania-ordenaciones-para-la-fraternidad-san-josafat-19217|title=Ucrania: ordenaciones para la Fraternidad San Josafat|publisher=SSPX|language=es|date=5 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://infovaticana.com/2021/10/26/los-lefebvrianos-presumen-del-gran-numero-de-vocaciones-que-han-tenido-en-2021/|title=Los lefebvrianos presumen del gran número de vocaciones que han tenido en 2021|publisher=Info Vaticana|date=26 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sspx.au/en/news/interview-priest-society-saint-josaphat-war-ukraine-28055|title=An Interview with a Priest of the Society of Saint Josaphat on the War in Ukraine|date=17 July 2022|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/it/node/23067|title=Bishop de Galarreta Ordains Two Priests in Ukraine|date=6 December 2019|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref>
==== Society of St. Pius V ====
In 1983 the [https://stpiusvchapel.org/ Society of St. Pius V] A small group broke off from the Society of St. Pius X in the USA. Both now exist in the USA. <ref>https://sspv.org/index.php</ref>

==See also==
*[[Traditional Latin Mass]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Independent Catholic churches]]
*[[Biblical Canon]]

*[[Global Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
*[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox church]]
*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

==External links==
*[https://sspx.org/en Society of St. Pius X]
==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Catholic Church]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

US Highways Proposed Improvements (Post Roads)

2026-09-04T00:26:15Z

Cool6dad: /* US Rte 380 TX */

==US Rte 4S NY, VT & NH ==
Rte 4 South will travel south of US Rte 4. US Rte 4S a two lane a limited access road would have with passing lanes about every seven miles. Starting at a roundabout on US Rte 4 (just north of NY Rt 43) and following the power line right-a-way. A roundabout where it intersects NY Rt 2. The limited access part will end with a roundabout on NY Rt 22 (about 1000 feet south of NY Rte 7) then traveling with NY Rte 7 and VT Rte 279 in VT
then Continue traveling with VT Rte 9 to Marlboro VT where US Rte 4S will leave VT Rte. 9 at a roundabout to become a two lane a limited access road North of & roughly parallel to VT Rte. 9. At I-91 exit 3 It will travel over the Rte 9 bridge to NH. Then US Rte 4S becomes a two lane a limited access road South of & roughly parallel to NH Rte 9. It will travel with NH Rte 9 starting at the intersection with NH Rte 10 until it merges with US Rte 4 near Concord NH.

==US Rte 7 VT==
An extension of the limited access US Rte 7 from where it currently ends at the intersection with VT Rte 7A in Dorset VT to just south of Rutland VT It would run just east of the existing US Rte 7.

==US Rte 9 NJ & DE ==
A new bridge across the Delaware Bay connecting the two parts of US Rte 9 which are currently connected by a ferry between Cape May NJ and Lewis DE.

==US Rte 78 GA ==
Improving existing alignment or utilizing new alignments to allow higher speed traffic between I-95 and US Rte 1

==US Rte 93 AZ, NV, & ID ==
Improving the existing alignment or utilizing new alignments including widening some sections (except those that will be replaced by [[ Proposed_interstate_highways#Interstate_11 |Interstate 11 ]] ) between Wickenburg AZ <ref>https://azdot.gov/projects/northwest-district-projects/us-93-corridor-projects “US 93 improvements "</ref> & Sun Valley ID.

==US Rte 109 NY ==
A new US Rte. 109 would start at the existing US Rte. 9 at the Latham NY Traffic Circle and traveling with the Troy-Schenectady Rd until it crosses the Mohawk River via a NEW bridge. A new road would built on the Northside of the Mohawk River to connect the new bridge to Vischer Ferry Rd and then it would travel along Vischer Ferry Rd till it reaches NY Rte. 146 and then the new US Rte. 109 would travel with Rte. 146 until in ends on the existing US Rte. 9 <ref>[ https://www.saratogian.com/opinion/letter-new-bridge-across-the-mohawk-river-needed/article_57b255f0-bd03-11e8-a2f3-d355cd73a3ec.html" New Bridge "]</ref> <ref>https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2023/04/a-bridge-at-vischer-ferry-some-clifton-park-history/"History of bridge"</ref>.

==US Rte 287 TX ==
Improvements to US 287 through Ellis County, a distance of approximately 32 miles. This would require the construction of continuous, one-way frontage roads, including grade separations and access control to the main highway.

==US Rte 380 TX ==
Including improving the existing alignment or utilizing new alignments of the highway Denton County Line to Hunt County Line so it can handle more traffic. Also Analyze potential roadway alternatives, including the existing alignment and new alignments, for US 380 through Collin County from the Denton County line to the Hunt County line <ref>[ http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/public-hearings/2018/proposed-improvements-to-us-380-from-denton-county-line-to-hunt-county-line-pub ” US 380 "]</ref>
==US Rte 403 ME & NH ==
The proposed US Rte 403 will be a paved two lane road that will give US road access to the property owners and villages that currently only have road access thru Quebec Canada! US Rte 403 will Start on US Rte 1 in Fort Kent ME, and end on US Rte 3 in Pittsburg NH. Staying as close to the Canadian border as is practicable for a road. In Maine it will travel with the existing ME Rte 161, and then cross the St John River, to provide US road access to Estcourt Station ME<ref>https://downeast.com/our-towns/canadian-border-at-estcourt-station-maine/</ref>. Then continue along the US side of the international border to New Hampshire and US Rte 3.

==See Also==
*[[Proposed_interstate_highways |Proposed Interstate Highways]]

* [[National_Highway_System]]
* [[Proposed High Speed Rail lines | Proposed_High_Speed_Rail_line]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Lists]]
[[Category:Transportation]]
[[Category:Systems of Support]]

US Highways Proposed Improvements (Post Roads)

2026-09-04T00:11:28Z

Cool6dad: /* US Rte 2N ME & NH */

==US Rte 4S NY, VT & NH ==
Rte 4 South will travel south of US Rte 4. US Rte 4S a two lane a limited access road would have with passing lanes about every seven miles. Starting at a roundabout on US Rte 4 (just north of NY Rt 43) and following the power line right-a-way. A roundabout where it intersects NY Rt 2. The limited access part will end with a roundabout on NY Rt 22 (about 1000 feet south of NY Rte 7) then traveling with NY Rte 7 and VT Rte 279 in VT
then Continue traveling with VT Rte 9 to Marlboro VT where US Rte 4S will leave VT Rte. 9 at a roundabout to become a two lane a limited access road North of & roughly parallel to VT Rte. 9. At I-91 exit 3 It will travel over the Rte 9 bridge to NH. Then US Rte 4S becomes a two lane a limited access road South of & roughly parallel to NH Rte 9. It will travel with NH Rte 9 starting at the intersection with NH Rte 10 until it merges with US Rte 4 near Concord NH.

==US Rte 7 VT==
An extension of the limited access US Rte 7 from where it currently ends at the intersection with VT Rte 7A in Dorset VT to just south of Rutland VT It would run just east of the existing US Rte 7.

==US Rte 9 NJ & DE ==
A new bridge across the Delaware Bay connecting the two parts of US Rte 9 which are currently connected by a ferry between Cape May NJ and Lewis DE.

==US Rte 78 GA ==
Improving existing alignment or utilizing new alignments to allow higher speed traffic between I-95 and US Rte 1

==US Rte 93 AZ, NV, & ID ==
Improving the existing alignment or utilizing new alignments including widening some sections (except those that will be replaced by [[ Proposed_interstate_highways#Interstate_11 |Interstate 11 ]] ) between Wickenburg AZ <ref>https://azdot.gov/projects/northwest-district-projects/us-93-corridor-projects “US 93 improvements "</ref> & Sun Valley ID.

==US Rte 109 NY ==
A new US Rte. 109 would start at the existing US Rte. 9 at the Latham NY Traffic Circle and traveling with the Troy-Schenectady Rd until it crosses the Mohawk River via a NEW bridge. A new road would built on the Northside of the Mohawk River to connect the new bridge to Vischer Ferry Rd and then it would travel along Vischer Ferry Rd till it reaches NY Rte. 146 and then the new US Rte. 109 would travel with Rte. 146 until in ends on the existing US Rte. 9 <ref>[ https://www.saratogian.com/opinion/letter-new-bridge-across-the-mohawk-river-needed/article_57b255f0-bd03-11e8-a2f3-d355cd73a3ec.html" New Bridge "]</ref> <ref>https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2023/04/a-bridge-at-vischer-ferry-some-clifton-park-history/"History of bridge"</ref>.

==US Rte 287 TX ==
Improvements to US 287 through Ellis County, a distance of approximately 32 miles. This would require the construction of continuous, one-way frontage roads, including grade separations and access control to the main highway.

==US Rte 380 TX ==
Including improving the existing alignment or utilizing new alignments of the highway Denton County Line to Hunt County Line so it can handle more traffic. Also Analyze potential roadway alternatives, including the existing alignment and new alignments, for US 380 through Collin County from the Denton County line to the Hunt County line <ref>[ http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/public-hearings/2018/proposed-improvements-to-us-380-from-denton-county-line-to-hunt-county-line-pub ” US 380 "]</ref>

==See Also==
*[[Proposed_interstate_highways |Proposed Interstate Highways]]

* [[National_Highway_System]]
* [[Proposed High Speed Rail lines | Proposed_High_Speed_Rail_line]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Lists]]
[[Category:Transportation]]
[[Category:Systems of Support]]

Society of St. Pius X

2026-08-09T03:30:15Z

Cool6dad:

[[File:Héraldique meuble Coeur vendéen.svg|thumbnail|250px]]
__FORCETOC__The '''Society of St. Pius X''' <ref>https://sspx.org/en</ref> is an international society made up of traditional [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] clergy. Founded with canonical approval in 1970<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> by the late [[Archbishop]] [[Marcel Lefebvre]], it is the largest [[Traditionalist Catholicism|Traditional Catholic]] organization in operation and currently administers the [[Sacraments]] (including the [[Traditional Latin Mass]]) in over 27 countries. There is much dispute regarding accusations of [[schism]] due to Archbishop Lefebvre's decision to consecrate 4 Bishops in 1988, disregarding the command of [[Pope John Paul II]].

==Creation and Beginnings==

The Society of St. Pius X <ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/organization</ref> originated as a reaction to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council within the Catholic Church. In 1968, a group of French seminarians grew concerned with the orthodoxy of their priestly training due to the [[New Left]] ideology which had infiltrated their seminaries.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> As a result, they sought out the recently retired Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, with the request that he adopt the task of overseeing their priestly formation. Originally reluctant to get involved, Archbishop Lefebvre was persuaded to relent, and later said that it would have been an abandonment of Church Tradition if he had ignored them. Thus, International Priestly Society of St. Pius X was unofficially created.

In 1970, the Bishop of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg, His Excellency Bishop Charriere, officially recognized the canonical validity of the new Society.<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> At the same time, a group of Swiss laymen offered their property in Econe to the Archbishop as a seminary for future priests.

The canonical status was confirmed on February 18, 1971 by the prefect for the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal,<ref>https://sspx.org/en/about/history</ref> who praised the society's statutes and recognized it as an international Catholic society with the power to incardinate its clergy. Thus, the Society became legally recognized as a legitimate Catholic society, unable to be suppressed without a genuine reason or following strict canonical procedures.

==Strained Relations with Rome==

On June 10, 1971, Archbishop Lefebvre formally announces that he will not accept nor celebrate Pope Paul VI's Novus Ordo Mass, accusing it of being Protestant, based on the fact that six Protestant ministers collaborated in its creation,<ref>http://www.olrl.org/new_mass/evils.shtml</ref> and the fabrication of known Freemason Archbishop Annibal <ref>Bugnini.http://www.tanbooks.com/doct/vatican_liturgy.htm</ref> Archbishop Lefebvre would continue to voice these sentiments in denouncing the Novus Ordo Mass throughout the remainder of his life, often accusing it of being a 'bastard rite'.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914596-1,00.html</ref>
In response to Lefebvre's traditional Catholic stance, the French Episcopal Council denounced Econe as 'the wildcat seminary'.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_1.htm</ref>

In November 1974, two apostolic visitors from Rome arrive at Econe. Whilst speaking to the seminarians and teaching staff, they scandalise the faithful by giving support to contraception and ordination of married men. In response to this, Archbishop Lefebvre pens his Declaration, condemning Rome as 'neo-Modernist' and 'neo-Protestant', and pledging his allegiance to the traditional Catholic faith, regardless of what innovations Rome may espouse.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_I._declaration.htm</ref>

==Econe Consecrations==

His health failing, and fearing that his death may mark the end of the traditional Sacraments, Archbishop Lefebvre declared on February 2, 1988 that he intended to consecrate three Bishops, in order to keep the Sacraments of Confirmation and Ordination available to all Catholics. On hearing this news, Rome took the step of renewing negations with the Society and an agreement is reached on the May 5th, allowing the Society to become an approved Society of Apostolic Life and agreeing that one Society priest would be consecrated a Bishop at a time stated by Pope John Paul II. However, the Archbishop realised that no time limit was placed on Rome's assurances and, fearing that the agreement was a ploy to distract him until his death, announced that he would proceed with the Episcopal Consecrations on June 30, 1988.

On June 29, Rome made a last attempt to persuade the Archbishop not to continue with his intentions. A driver is sent to Econe and a promise is made that, if he returns to Rome with the driver, the Pope will personally speak to him and attempt to find another solution. The Archbishop refused.<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On June 30, 1988, Archbishop Lefebre, alongside Brazilian Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer, consecrated four Bishops in the traditional rite of Consecration. The four priests consecrated were: Father Bernard Fellay, Father Richard Williamson, Father Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, and Father Alfonso de Galarreta. Before consecrating the men, Archbishop Lefebvre made it clear that he was not breaking with Rome, nor was he renouncing the Papacy of John Paul II. But he insisted that the Catholic Faith was not being voiced by Rome and, as a Bishop, he had a duty to preserve the Faith, whatever the cost. .<ref>http://www.sspx.org/SSPX_FAQs/appendix_iii_history_5.htm</ref>

On the 2nd July 1988, Pope John Paul II issued his Apostolic Letter 'Ecclesia Dei' in which he condemned the consecrations as 'unlawful', an act of 'disobedience' and, therefore, a 'schismatic act'.<ref>http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/motu_proprio/documents/hf_jp-ii_motu-proprio_02071988_ecclesia-dei_en.html</ref> As a result, the Pope claimed that the Archbishop and four new Bishops had automatically incurred the penalty of excommunication. However, the Pope did not formally excommunicate the five men, nor was he speaking ex cathedra but only as a private theologian. In either case according to the St Augustinian theory a bishop retains his power to ordain Priests and consecrate other bishops, even if excommunicated by the[[Roman_Catholic_Church | Roman Catholic Church]] so its bishops and priests are valid.

==The Society of St. Pius X Church Today==
The Society of St. Pius X Church is governed by the [[Superior Religious order | Superior General]], who resides with his assistants, the Secretary General and the General Bursar, in the General House situated in Menzingen, Switzerland <ref>https://fsspx.org/en</ref>. SSPX is Organized into 14 districts worldwide similar to dioceses, each of which is entrusted to a local superior. Auxiliary bishops assist the districts. The USA is under one district a list of its churches can be found via this link <ref>https://sspx.org/en/list-sspx-chapels</ref>.

The Society has Priestly Seminaries in [[France]], [[Buenos Aires]] ([[Argentina]]) and other places.

===Continuing Disputes===
Pope Francis further restricts the saying of Mass in Latin which confirms SSPX as a separate church. <ref>https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-13fb8d27e538fc0aafec26a5087d387e</ref> Certain separate churches like this one are recognized to have valid but illicit bishops<ref>https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/22738/vatican-explains-teaching-on-illicit-ordinations</ref> and priests. However illicit bishops and priests can still perform valid sacraments <ref>https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/59640/which-sacraments-can-be-administered-validly-but-illicitly</ref> The bishops from the 1988 Society of St. Pius X Econe Consecrations 2 had passed away and others had grown very old, so '''on July 1 2026''' SSPX ordained 4 more bishops<ref>https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/defying-pope-and-facing-excommunication-sspx-consecrates-bishops-huge-outdoor</ref> <ref>https://nuntiatoria.org/2026/02/02/the-sspx-and-the-question-of-new-bishops-2/</ref>. '''Pope Leo XIV has excommunicated these bishops Priests and SSPX Church members which makes SSPX a separate church<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/02/vatican-excommunicates-all-members-of-ultra-conservative-rebels-sspx</ref><ref>https://fsspx.news/en/news/letter-holy-father-regarding-decree-dicastery-doctrine-faith-59956</ref>.''' However, these Bishops and Priests are still covered under [[Apostolic_succession#St_Augustinian_Theory | Apostolic Succession]], so can perform valid Sacraments.

==== Society of Saint Josaphat ====
The [[Traditional Catholic|Catholic Traditionalist]] of [[Roman Catholic Church#Catholic Church Rites (branches)|Byzantine Rite]] assosiation, Priestly Society of Saint Josaphat (SSJK) which is assosiated with the Traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), its based on [[Lviv]], [[Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/es/news/ucrania-ordenaciones-para-la-fraternidad-san-josafat-19217|title=Ucrania: ordenaciones para la Fraternidad San Josafat|publisher=SSPX|language=es|date=5 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://infovaticana.com/2021/10/26/los-lefebvrianos-presumen-del-gran-numero-de-vocaciones-que-han-tenido-en-2021/|title=Los lefebvrianos presumen del gran número de vocaciones que han tenido en 2021|publisher=Info Vaticana|date=26 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sspx.au/en/news/interview-priest-society-saint-josaphat-war-ukraine-28055|title=An Interview with a Priest of the Society of Saint Josaphat on the War in Ukraine|date=17 July 2022|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fsspx.news/it/node/23067|title=Bishop de Galarreta Ordains Two Priests in Ukraine|date=6 December 2019|publisher=[[SSPX]]}}</ref>
==== Society of St. Pius V ====
In 1983 the [https://stpiusvchapel.org/ Society of St. Pius V] A small group broke off from the Society of St. Pius X in the USA. Both now exist in the USA. <ref>https://sspv.org/index.php</ref>

==See also==
*[[Traditional Latin Mass]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Independent Catholic churches]]
*[[Biblical Canon]]

*[[Global Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
*[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox church]]
*[[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]]

==External links==
*[https://sspx.org/en Society of St. Pius X]
==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Catholic Church]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

Orthodox Church in America

2026-08-09T03:17:50Z

Cool6dad:

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church.jpg|right|300px]]
The Mission of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) <ref> https://www.oca.org/ </ref>, the local autocephalous [[Eastern Orthodox | Orthodox Christian Church]], is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” The Orthodox Churches have always been pro-life and its leadership is mostly conservative. Most services are in the USA are in English. The church has 12 [[diocese]]s or [[archdiocese]]s in the USA, 1 in Canada and 1 in Mexico<ref>https://www.oca.org/dioceses</ref>.
The Orthodox Church in America uses the Gregorian calendar the standard calendar in the USA<ref>https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>.
==Teachings==
Grace-and-salvation: There is no “required amount” of works that are necessary for salvation. What is crucial is that, if we indeed have faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, that we manifest or reveal our faith in how we live and how we treat others.
Read Matthew 25:31-46, in which we find the parable of the sheep and goats. In this parable, Christ reveals that which He will ask of us when He judges us, as well as that which He xpects from those who call themselves by His name. He asks if we have fed the hungry, clothed the naked, given drink to the thirsty, ministered to the sick and imprisoned—and, of utmost importance, whether we have discerned His very image in those around us, especially the “least of the brethren.” If we fail to put our faith into action through such works of mercy, our faith is purely intellectual, “lip service,” so to speak. Simply stated, if we accept Christ as the Son of the Living God and the Savior of the world, yet we fail to bring His love to others around us, then we are liars. Hence, faith without such good works is dead, and it is precisely on our willingness to put our faith into action that our eternal salvation hinges, as Christ reveals in Matthew 25<ref> https://www.oca.org/questions/teaching/grace-and-salvation</ref>.'''The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) primarily uses English for its services, although it also incorporates other languages<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orthodox-Church-in-America</ref>'''
===The Sacraments===
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/baptism Baptism]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/chrismation Chrismation(Confrimation}]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/holy-eucharist Holy Eucharist]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/penance Penance{Confession)]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/holy-unction Holy Unction(Anointing the sick)]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/marriage Marriage]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/holy-orders Holy Orders]

===Worship===
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-divine-liturgy/the-divine-liturgy The Divine Liturgy{Mass)]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/funeral Funeral]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/monasticism Monasticism]

== History==
*Orthodox bishops trace the roots back to Christ and the Apostles As part of the [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches they believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world a title also claimed by the [[Roman Catholic Church]], [[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]] ,[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox Church]], and the [[Coptic Church]]
*The [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches broke with the [[Roman Catholic Church]] following the [[Great Schism]] of 1054. Before 1054 both churches were known as the Catholic Christian Church.The [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches are self-governing but they are still united under the Patriarch of Constantinople as the first among equals as the Ecumenical Patriarch; he also heads the Greek Orthodox church. Some the churches have their own Patriarch others are Autocephalous under the leadership of a Metropolitan.
*There are some Orthodox churches that are NOT part of the [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches examples include [[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]] ,[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox Church]], and the [[Coptic Church]].
*After the Russian Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924 the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the under the leadership of Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |</ref>
==21st Century==
*In 2020, the landmark decision was made to go ahead with the relocation of the Primate and Chancery offices to the canonical territory of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC<ref>https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/bishops/the-most-blessed-tikhon</ref>.
*The Orthodox Church in America is growing recently do to converts from [[Catholic]]s, [[Protestant]]s, other faiths, and non-believers <ref>https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/11/20/on-religion-the-flood-of-converts-reshaping-american-orthodoxy-part-1</ref>.

== See also ==
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
</div>

==External links==
*[https://www.oca.org/ Orthodox Church in America]
== References ==
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Orthodox Church]]
[[Category:Byzantine]]

Orthodox Church in America

2026-08-09T03:16:10Z

Cool6dad:

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church.jpg|right|300px]]
The Mission of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) <ref> https://www.oca.org/ </ref>, the local autocephalous [[Eastern Orthodox | Orthodox Christian Church]], is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” The Orthodox Churches have always been pro-life and its leadership is mostly conservative. Most services are in the USA are in English. The church has 12 [[diocese]]s or [[archdiocese]]s in the USA, 1 in Canada and 1 in Mexico<ref>https://www.oca.org/dioceses</ref>.
The Orthodox Church in America uses the Gregorian calendar the standard calendar in the USA<ref>https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>.
==Teachings==
Grace-and-salvation: There is no “required amount” of works that are necessary for salvation. What is crucial is that, if we indeed have faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, that we manifest or reveal our faith in how we live and how we treat others.
Read Matthew 25:31-46, in which we find the parable of the sheep and goats. In this parable, Christ reveals that which He will ask of us when He judges us, as well as that which He xpects from those who call themselves by His name. He asks if we have fed the hungry, clothed the naked, given drink to the thirsty, ministered to the sick and imprisoned—and, of utmost importance, whether we have discerned His very image in those around us, especially the “least of the brethren.” If we fail to put our faith into action through such works of mercy, our faith is purely intellectual, “lip service,” so to speak. Simply stated, if we accept Christ as the Son of the Living God and the Savior of the world, yet we fail to bring His love to others around us, then we are liars. Hence, faith without such good works is dead, and it is precisely on our willingness to put our faith into action that our eternal salvation hinges, as Christ reveals in Matthew 25<ref> https://www.oca.org/questions/teaching/grace-and-salvation</ref>.'''The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) primarily uses English for its services, although it also incorporates other languages<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orthodox-Church-in-America</ref>'''
===The Sacraments===
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/baptism Baptism]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/chrismation Chrismation(Confrimation}]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/holy-eucharist Holy Eucharist]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/penance Penance{Confession)]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/holy-unction Holy Unction(Anointing the sick)]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/marriage Marriage]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/holy-orders Holy Orders]

===Worship===
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-divine-liturgy/the-divine-liturgy The Divine Liturgy{Mass)]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/funeral Funeral]
*[https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-sacraments/monasticism Monasticism]

== History==
*Orthodox bishops trace the roots back to Christ and the Apostles As part of the [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches they believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world a title also claimed by the [[Roman Catholic Church]], [[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]] ,[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox Church]], and the [[Coptic Church]]
*The [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches broke with the [[Roman Catholic Church]] following the [[Great Schism]] of 1054. Before 1054 both churches were known as the Catholic Christian Church.The [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches are self-governing but they are still united under the Patriarch of Constantinople as the first among equals as the Ecumenical Patriarch; he also heads the Greek Orthodox church. Some the churches have their own Patriarch others are Autocephalous under the leadership of a Metropolitan.
*There are some Orthodox churches that are NOT part of the [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches examples include [[Indian Orthodox Church|(Indian) Malankara Orthodox Church]] ,[[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox Church]], and the [[Coptic Church]].
*After the Russian Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924 the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the under the leadership of Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |</ref>
==21st Century===
*In 2020, the landmark decision was made to go ahead with the relocation of the Primate and Chancery offices to the canonical territory of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC<ref>https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/bishops/the-most-blessed-tikhon</ref>.
*Orthodox Church in America is growing recently do to converts from [[Catholic]]s, [[Protestant]]s, other faiths and non-believers <ref>https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/11/20/on-religion-the-flood-of-converts-reshaping-american-orthodoxy-part-1</ref>.

== See also ==
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*[[American Christianity]]
*[[Canadian Christianity]]
*[[Future of Christianity]]
*[[Christianity in Africa]]
*[[Christianity in Asia]]
*[[Christianity in Australia | Christianity in Australia, Oceania, New Zealand]]
*[[Christianity in Europe]]
*[[Christianity in North America]]
*[[Christianity in South America]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
</div>

==External links==
*[https://www.oca.org/ Orthodox Church in America]
== References ==
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Orthodox Church]]
[[Category:Byzantine]]

Orthodox Church

2026-08-07T12:31:06Z

Cool6dad:

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church.jpg|right|300px]]
The '''Orthodox Churches''' are the second largest body of [[Christians]], with an estimated membership between 250 million and 350 million people. The Orthodox Churches understand themselves to constitute the original Catholic Christian Church founded by [[Jesus Christ]]. Members believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Orthodox faith is notable for its use of [[icon]]s, candles, incense, relics of [[saint]]s, and beautiful vestments during her rich liturgical services. It is often confused with the Byzantine-rite Catholics who are in communion with the [[Pope]] of [[Rome]]. The Orthodox are not in communion with the [[Roman Catholics]], whom they view as holding several false doctrines. While in [[Western civilization|the West]], the Orthodox Churches may be thought of as the Church in [[Russia]], [[Greece]], and other [[Eastern European]] countries, they are present on all inhabited continents and in most countries worldwide. The original church or community of the East before the [[Great Schism]] in 1054 comprised: the Greek churches founded by [[Saint Paul]], and the Antiochian and Asia Minor churches founded by Saint Peter.<ref>[https://stbartsestes.org/questions-and-interesting-facts/which-apostle-started-the-greek-orthodox-church.html]</ref>

== Beliefs of Orthodox Christians ==
Orthodox Churches are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals signifying honor rather than authority.
While the Orthodox Church draws its beliefs from a very wide variety of sources, including the [[Gospels]], the other books of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]]s, the written histories, the writings and sayings of saints, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, angelic communication and other direct spiritual experiences, icons, the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) and many other things besides, the core of what they believe is contained in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and [[Apostolic Tradition|Tradition]], (the deposit of faith).

The Creed:

<blockquote>''I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the [[Holy Spirit]] and the [[Virgin Mary]], and became man. And He was crucified for us under [[Pontius Pilate]], and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. [[Amen]].''</blockquote>
[[Image:Malbis Church altar.jpg|thumb|Greek Orthodox Church outside Mobile, Alabama.]]
This creed is professed by all Orthodox Christians prior to baptism, and at every celebration of the Divine Liturgy (the main service of the Orthodox Church).

The [[Bible]]
The Orthodox regard the Bible as the main source of and rule against which the life, actions, words, and thoughts of the Church and her members are judged. Its role in the life of the church can not be overstated. It is read from at every service, in fact, most of the services of the Orthodox Church consist, at least in part, of chanting large portions of the Bible.

The Gospels are accorded a special place in the worship of the Orthodox Church. They are afforded great honor. For example, they are bound in Gold, often beset with gems, and separate from the rest of the Bible. They are carried in processions, they are kissed, they are bowed to, and they are censed. All stand when the Gospel is read during a service. When the Gospel is not being venerated or being read from it is kept on the Altar.

All Orthodox Christians are expected to read from the Gospels and the [[Epistles]] every day, except during [[Lent]] when Old Testament readings are assigned.

According to [[Protestantism]], the Orthodox Church like the Church of Rome, does not heed the biblical warning to reject traditions of men in favour of the Word of God.<ref>See [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A8-23&version=KJV Colossians 2:8-23]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+4%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Timothy 4:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A18-19&version=KJV 1 John 2:18-19]</ref> The Orthodox Church, like the Church of Rome, heeds the biblical command to faithfully keep to the traditions handed down by the apostles,<ref>See [[Apostolic succession]].</ref> implicitly and explicitly rooted firmly in the [[Biblical Canon|whole Orthodox Bible]] and the mind of Christ in the Church<ref>Greek ''ραράδοσις'' paradosis is variously translated in the New Testament as "ordinance", "tradition", "practice", "custom", "unwritten/oral teaching", as teachings received from the apostles and handed down (Lat. ''tradere'' "to deliver") according to the mind of Christ: [[Apostolic Tradition]] (compare Strong's number G3862). See various versions of [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 11:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+2%3A14-15&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A6&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:6]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A14&version=KJV 2 Timothy 1:14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Timothy 2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A2-4&version=KJV 2 Timothy 4:2-4]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+5%3A32-33&version=KJV Deuteronomy 5:32-33]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A17&version=KJV Hebrews 13:17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-18&version=KJV Matthew 18:15-18]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3%3A15&version=KJV 1 Timothy 3:15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A12-14&version=KJV John 16:12-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A10&version=KJV Ephesians 3:10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A30-31&version=KJV John 20:30-31]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A25&version=KJV John 21:25]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A12&version=KJV 2 John 12]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A9-10&version=KJV 2 John 9-10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+1%3A13-14&version=KJV 3 John 13-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A19&version=KJV Revelation 22:19]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=KJV Matthew 28:19-20]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A19-2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Peter 1:19–2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A15-17&version=KJV 2 Peter 3:15-17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2%3A10-16&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 2:10-16]</ref><ref>See also [https://www.openbible.info/topics/traditions 100 Bible Verses about Traditions (openbible.info)].</ref>

=== Theosis ===
Theosis is the belief that Christians can experience a union with God and become like him so much that they participate in the divine nature. Theosis does not mean that they become gods or merge with God, only that they are deified. These Christians are said not to participate in God's essence. Furthermore, this deification does not mean that a person stops sinning or no longer struggles with sin. Instead, theosis is a mystical union with God that proceeds throughout the person's life and culminates in the resurrection of the body. Some have said that this is equivalent to sanctification as taught in the Western churches.<ref>https://carm.org/what-is-theosis</ref>

Verses that Eastern Orthodox Christians use to support theosis include John 17:22-23, 2 Peter 1:4, and 2 Corinthians 3:18. The biblical basis for theosis, according to Eastern Orthodox Christians, begins, however, with the creation account in Genesis, specifically 1:26. Theosis is implicit in the doctrine of the imago dei: humanity being made in the divine image.

The divine likeness implies our calling to be in communion with God, rendering man unique to the rest of Creation. This moves beyond the legal model, which focuses more on our external legal or judicial status and good moral behavior – rather than the transformation of our inner nature. As a result of Adam and Eve's sin, the image of God has become marred in us. In the Incarnation, God came to restore the imago dei (image of God). Salvation as theosis is based on the restoration of the image of God in us, which in turn calls for the restoration of communion with God, resulting in a change in human nature, i.e., ontological consequences.

According to Robert Arakaki, author at Orthodox Reformed Bridge:
{{cquote|Many Protestants find the doctrine of theosis dubious despite the fact it is found in Scripture. We read in 2 Peter 1:3-4. This does not mean we participate in God’s essence (ousia). Rather we are transformed into the likeness of Christ through participation in his grace, i.e., divine energies. The footnote commentary in the Orthodox Study Bible for 2 Peter 1:4 reads:

*''This [Theosis] does not mean we become divine by nature. If we participated in God’s essence, the distinction between God and man would be abolished. What this does mean is that we participate in God’s energy, described by a number of terms in scripture, such as glory, life, love, virtue, and power. We are to become like God by his grace and truly His adopted children, but never becoming God by nature.''

The phrase “participate in the divine nature” (NIV) or “partakers of the divine nature” (KJV, OSB) is a translation of: “γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως.” [Greek NT] The Greek for “participate” or “share” is κοινωνος (koinonos) which has a range of meanings. It has been used with reference to sharing in glory (1 Peter 5:1), sharing in Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10), and fellowship in the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:1). It can have a spiritual/sacramental sense. Participation in a religious service, Christian or otherwise, has definite spiritual consequences. Participation in a pagan sacrifice results in participation with demonic forces (1 Corinthians 10:20) and likewise participation in the Eucharist results in participation in Christ’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16). The emphasis here is on participation, transformation, and experiential change, rather than a judicial declaration of legal status. This distinction is central to the different attitude Orthodox and the Reformed have toward the fullness of salvation in Christ.<ref>https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxbridge/theosis-and-our-salvation-in-christ/</ref>}}

Robert Arakaki also remarks that "The reference to the visible transformation of Moses’ appearance in 2 Corinthians 3:13 points to an ontological transformation, not just behavioral and attitudinal changes. Theosis also has eschatological implications," with Arakaki noting 1 John 3:2-3.

== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Elias, Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Elias, Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Silouan, Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Basilios, Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Metropolitan of Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ephrem, Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ghattas, Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Efraim Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Nicolas, Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Gregorios, Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Athanasisos Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Niphon, Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Silwan (Oner), Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ignatius, Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Isaac, Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Saba, [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence Metropolitan Jacques Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Damaskinos, [[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Sergio, Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ignatius, Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Basilios, [[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.)
====Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.====
Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-iggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to Russian physicist Andrey Volkov, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; [[Orthodox Easter]] often occurs at a later date than [[Easter | Western Easter]] 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

This disagreement has arisen several times over the years:<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOgnERhs-c</ref>
*In 1832 the Greek Orthodox Church was declared autocephalous by the secular Greek government, a move not recognized by Constantinople. However, in 1850 Constantinople did declare the body to be autocephalous, but as it was BOTH within the geographical territory of Constantinople AND declared such by its Patriarch, the overarching issue was not resolved.
*A similar issue took place when the Bulgarian, Serbian, and Romanian bodies were declared autocephalous, as they were in the same situation as the Greek church before.
*In 1917, the Russian Church declared the Georgian Orthodox Church (at that time under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, which Constantinople did not recognize at the time, but in 1990 it finally did so.
*In 1970, the Russian Church declared the American Orthodox Church (which is under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, a decision Constantinople did not recognize and still does not.

The disagreement has come to the forefront over recognition of the Ukrainian Orthodox body, resulting in Constantinople declaring the Russian Church in 2019 to be schismatic.
{{Christianity}}
In 2022, it was reported that attendance at Russian Orthodox Church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20230317141802/https://mercatornet.com/few-russians-go-to-church-many-who-dont-may-still-be-influenced-by-their-patriarchs-tirades/78666/ attendance at Russian Orthodox church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.]</ref>

Also, according to a 2019 report "Using data from surveys carried out by the Higher School of Economics in Moscow in 2018, the sociologist Yana Roshchina worked out that while almost 81 percent of adult Russians consider themselves Orthodox, this is often a declaration of identity rather than faith. Just 6 percent of the population and 43 percent of believers go to church several times a month. According to Interior Ministry statistics, 4.3 million people across the country attended Easter services in 2019 – around 100,000 fewer than a year before."<ref>[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/05/29/russians-are-not-waiting-for-a-church-boom-a65792 Russians Are Not Waiting for a Church Boom], 2019</ref>

Pew Research reported in 2017: "Relatively few Orthodox or Catholic adults in Central and Eastern Europe say they regularly attend worship services, pray often or consider religion central to their lives. For example, a median of just 10% of Orthodox Christians across the region say they go to church on a weekly basis."<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2017/05/10/religious-belief-and-national-belonging-in-central-and-eastern-europe/ Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe], Pew Research, 2017</ref>

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== Oriental Orthodox Churches ==

''See:'' [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] Unlike other Orthodox churches, Oriental Orthodox churches are ''NOT'' under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. '''They are separate denominations.'''

The [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] are Eastern Christian churches adhering to [[Miaphysite Christology]], with approximately 50 million members worldwide.
*Some of them were formed in the [[Great_Schism | Chalcedonian Schism]] of 451 AD.

*The [[Indian Orthodox Church| Malankara Orthodox Church]] in India, just separated by distance, so was always run as an Autocephalous church under the Catholicos of the Apostolic throne of St. Thomas.

== History of the Orthodox Church in North America ==
===The Russians===
In 1794 several monks from Russia's northeastern monasteries began working with the native population of Kodiak and Unalaska Islands. Among those monks was St. Herman.

St. Herman was born in the town of Serpukhov in the [[Moscow]] Diocese around 1756. At the age of 16, he entered the monastic life at the Trinity-St. Sergius Hermitage near St. Petersburg. While here he developed a severe throat infection from which he nearly died. After fervent prayer before an icon of the Theotokos, he fell into a deep sleep. During this sleep, He dreamed that he was healed by the Virgin and upon waking, he had completely recovered. A few years later, he moved to the Valaam Monastery on [[Lake Ladoga]]. At this time the Golikov-Shelikov Company - licensed to exploit the resources of Alaska - requested monks to work in a new Alaskan mission. Father Herman was among the eight monks selected. They arrived on Kodiak Island on September 24, 1794, and immediately set out on the task of educating and converting the natives. Eventually, only Fr. Herman survived from this original mission.
[[Image:Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.jpg|thumb|300px|Orthodox Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.]]
The members of the mission felt that it was their duty to protect the Alaskans from harm and exploitation. They defended them against the often cruel treatment of the Russian-American Company which controlled the colony under the leadership of the cruel Alexander Baranov. As a result of their protests, and because they tried to place the natives under imperial protection by administering an oath of allegiance to the Czar to them, Baranov threatened the monks with physical violence and even placed them under house arrest.

Sometime between 1808 and 1818, Fr. Herman went to Spruce Island. He spent the rest of his life on the island, where he cared for orphans, established and ran a school, and continued his missionary work. He lived the ascetic life which has been standard since the time of the Desert Fathers. He built a small chapel and guest house. Food for himself and the orphans was produced from his own experimental garden. He wore the simplest clothing and his cell was practically empty. His life was devoted to prayer and to following the services he could do as a layman who had not been ordained.

His love grew to the point that he could see into the hearts of his spiritual children and help them. The natives regarded him as their intercessor before God. When there was a tidal wave (tsunami) on the Island, Fr. Herman took an Icon of the Theotokos, placed it on the beach and assured the people that the water would not rise beyond the place where the Icon was, and it did not. When there was a great fire on the island, he dug a trench and stayed the flames. Prior to his death he foretold that there would be no priest to bury him and that he would be forgotten for 30 years. He died on December 12, 1837, and was forgotten until 1867 when Bishop Peter of Alaska heard about him and had his life investigated. This investigation was followed by publications of his life in 1894, 1900, and 1952. In 1952 an Akathist Hymn was composed, and on March 11, 1969, the Great Council of Bishops solemnly proclaimed the Act of the Universal Church Canonization of the Staretz Herman to Sainthood in the Orthodox Church in America: "Taking into consideration the long and undisputed witness of the grace of God, appearing through the servant of God, the Staretz Herman of Alaska." The Canonization was performed on August 7–9, 1970.

In 1822, the Holy Synod of Russia decided it was time to send a priest to perfect the work of the monks. A priest named Ionn volunteered to be that priest. In 1823, the 26 year old Fr. Ionn and his family set off for Unalaska Island. He built a church with his own hands, learned the language of the local people, the Aleuts, composed an alphabet for their previously unwritten language, and translated the Gospel of Matthew into Aleutian. He also translated a catechism and some liturgical books for the Aleuts, and wrote the first book ever written in the Aleutian language, a brief course in dogmatics entitled, “A Guideline to the Kingdom of God". Considered one of the best catechetical courses and educational aids for children and youth, this course has been reprinted in several languages many times since.

Fr. Ionn established a school with an enrollment of 600 children, built a hospital, and fought hard against the practice of polygamy that treated women as property. After ten years on the island, Father Ioann had baptized all of the people in the archipelago. He made a trip in 1829 to Nushegak on the American continent and preached the Word of God to people who lived on the [[Bering Sea]] coast and baptized those who came to believe.

In 1839, Fr. Ionn returned to Russia to convince the Holy Synod of the need for establishing a permanent mission in North America. While he was on this trip back home, he received the news of the death of his wife. After a pilgrimage to St. Sergius Monastery of the Holy Trinity and to the shrines in Kiev, Archpriest Ioann, on the advice of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, took monastic vows on November 29. He took the name of Innocent, after Bishop Innocent of Irkutsk, and was elevated to the rank of archimandrite on the following day. In 1840, the Holy Synod in Moscow created a new diocese in North America and consecrated the Archimandrite Innocent as its new Bishop. In 1855, St. Innocent was elevated to Metropolitan of Moscow. While serving in that capacity, he established the Orthodox Missionary Society to help fund mission work. He was concerned for arranging the work of theological schools in his diocese, opened a school for icon-painting and other arts for poor children and orphans, transformed Philaret's college into a school for daughters of the clergy who did not receive any pensions or allowances, founded the large Ostrovsky alms-house, and wrote educational aids for the clergy of the staff list, as well as their widows and orphans.

At the same time, the great enlightener continued his concern for the Russian Orthodox Church in North America. It was on his initiative that the Holy Governing Synod chose San Francisco as the bishop's See. Metropolitan Innocent also emphasized the need for the clergy to know English and for the Church to train priests from among local Americans as a necessary condition for strengthening Orthodoxy in the American continent.

Feeling his death approaching, Metropolitan Innocent of Moscow and Kolomna asked on the Great Tuesday, 27 March 1879, that the Sacrament of Holy Unction be administered to him. On the Great Thursday, 29 March, he Communed. On Great and Holy Saturday, March 31, the Metropolitan, Equal to the Apostles, fell asleep in the Lord.

The Orthodox Church's next great burst of growth in America occurred during the ministry of St. Tikhon of Moscow, the Enlightener of North America.

St. Tikhon was a missionary bishop to North America. During his short ministry in North America he became a U.S. Citizen, and the Church grew from 15 parishes to 70 parishes. He was called back to Moscow in 1907. He was elected Metropolitan on August 15, 1917. On November 5 of the same year he was selected, by drawing lots, to be the Patriarch of Moscow and all the Rus’. The Communists accused him of sabotage and imprisoned him from April 1922 through June 1923. He fell ill and was hospitalized in 1924, and fell asleep in the Lord on March 25, 1925, just two days after serving his last Divine Liturgy.

One of St. Tikhon's most important decisions during his time in North America had to do with how to minister to Orthodox Christians from the Middle East who were arriving on the East Coast. He realized that these newest members of his flock needed someone who could speak their language and who was familiar with their distinct customs so he asked the Patriarch of Antioch to send him an Arabic-speaking priest.

The priest who arrived was Fr. Raphael Hawaweeny. In 1904, he was consecrated a Bishop by St. Tikhon and St. Innocent and from then until his death in 1915, he was known as Bishop Raphael of Brooklyn. During the course of his ministry, he established 29 parishes and assisted in the establishment of a monastery in [[Pennsylvania]]. He was recognized, even while living, as a saint but was not officially glorified by the Church until March 2000.

===The Russian Revolution===
With the rise of [[atheism|atheistic]] [[Communism]] in Russia and the corresponding infiltration of the KGB into the Orthodox Church in Russia, many Orthodox Christians in North America began clamoring for bishops they could trust. Additionally, the Russian Church split into two factions: The Metropolia (today known as the Orthodox Church in America or OCA) and the Patriarchal parishes. Essentially, the Patriarchate of Moscow sued the church in America for control of properties and actually won some of the cases. The parishes in those cases went under the direct jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Moscow. A third group of Russian bishops arrived in the United States following the Russian Revolution. They called themselves the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. For a while, they merged with the Metropolia but they did not think of themselves as Americans or as missionaries to America. They were intent on keeping Russian culture alive among the exiles and returning to Russia someday. They eventually split off from the Metropolia.

Amidst this confusion, there was a desire for bishops from the “old country”; that is, Serbs wanted a Serb bishop, Albanians wanted an Albanian bishop, etc. And the Archbishops and Patriarchs from the “old countries” were happy to send them. Thus, right after the Russian Revolution, what had been an administratively unified Church in the U.S. became administratively fragmented.

Around 1998, former KGB agent Konstantin Preobrazhensky investigated some recent deaths among the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, including Archpriest Lev Lebedev of Kursk in April 1998, and suspected that then-FSB head [[Vladimir Putin]] had been involved in the assassination.<ref>https://westernfreepress.com/2017/12/21/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref><ref>https://www.trevorloudon.com/2017/12/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref>

== The Present Situation in North America ==
[[Image:Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City Tennessee.jpg|thumb|300px|Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City, Tennessee.]]
Orthodox Churches in America today. The Orthodox Church continues to grow in North America. Most of its bishops were born in America, many having converted (either from religions outside Christianity or other Christian churches) as adults. The Orthodox church has experienced a couple of waves of mass conversions, such as when several thousand Byzantine-rite Catholics converted in the early 20th Century.
 
The Orthodox in America have established one undergraduate college, Holy Cross in Boston as well as several seminaries (including Anchorage, [[New York]], [[Boston]], and Pennsylvania), one practical ministerial institute (Penn.), and a graduate school for lay theologians (Berkeley). Some of their parishes have Saturday schools where Greek, Russian, and other languages as well as theology and culture are taught to children. A few parishes have established High Schools and elementary schools.
 
Several monasteries have been established for men and women, and two (one in New York and one in Miami) have converted from other churches and have become Orthodox monasteries.

===Orthodox Church in America===
OCA was started in 1921. After the Russian Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives</ref>. After decades of a very cold relationship, in 1970 the Metropolia was granted [[autocephalous|autocephaly]] (think of it as administrative independence) by the current Patriarch of Moscow and became known as the [[Orthodox Church in America]] (OCA). When that happened, numbers of the Romanian, Bulgarian, and Albanian Churches in the USA and Canada merged with the OCA. However, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (who claims he alone has the right to grant autocephaly to a church) has never recognized the autocephaly of the [[Orthodox Church in America]]. '''OCA continues to add members via conversions from other Christian churches or from non-Christians.''' The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) primarily uses English for its services, although it also incorporates other languages<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orthodox-Church-in-America</ref>. The [[Primate (church) | Primate]] and Chancery offices of the [[Orthodox Church in America]] are located in the canonical territory of the Archdiocese of Washington DC<ref>https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/bishops/the-most-blessed-tikhon</ref>. See Also '''[https://www.oca.org/ OCA]'''

===Antiochian Orthodox Church===
[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch]]. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church, along with Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome. The Archdiocese is autonomous, the Synod of Antioch still picks its bishop, from a list of three candidates nominated by [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | North American archdiocese]]. The archbishop resides in Englewood NJ<ref>https://www.antiochian.org/home</ref>It uses native languages for its services.<ref>https://stmichaeltx.org/orthodox-101/worship-services/what-language-are-the-services-in/</ref> See Also '''[https://www.antiochian.org/home Antiochian]'''

===Greek Orthodox Church===
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was the eparchy incorporated in 1921 under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople. In 1996, the archdiocese was split by the Ecumenical Patriarchate into four parts, those of [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | America]], [[ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada | Canada]], [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises | Central America]], and [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises |South America]]<ref>https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-history-of-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-1922-2022/</ref>. See Church of Constantinople above.

===Russian Orthodox Church===
The [[Russian Orthodox Church]] in America are under the authority of the Patriarch of Russia and Moscow. The Patriarchal Parishes in the USA is a canonical branch of Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) combining parishes and monasteries in the United States and Mexico. The Patriarchal Parishes were all that was left in 1970, with the granting of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in America<ref>https://www.mospatusa.com/history.html</ref> <ref>https://www.oca.org/questions/namerica/russian-orthodox-church-in-america</ref>.
===Ukrainian Orthodox Church===
[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]] leader is a Metropolitan bishop in New Jersey.<ref>https://uocofusa.org/</ref>. In 1921 the Church was formed by Priests who left the Roman Catholic [[Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church | Byzantine Rite Ukrainian Church]]. One of them was Joseph Zuk who was later consecrated a bishop and in 1936 they accepted the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
*[[Pentarchy]]
*[[Demetrius, Patriarch of Alexandria]]
*[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[Petrine Primacy]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Afterlife]]
*[[Exorcism]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
*[[American_Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
</div>

==References==

<References/>

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N636PYURaFg Growth of the Orthodox Church in America], Masaman, October 19, 2024. [[YouTube]].
*[https://rumble.com/v23bagm-an-orthodox-priest-is-giving-incredibly-deep-spiritual-guidance-to-russian-.html An Orthodox priest is giving incredibly deep spiritual guidance to Russian soldiers]

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Ukraine]]
[[Category:Russian History]]
[[Category:Orthodox Church]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]
[[Category:Byzantine]]

Eastern Orthodox Church

2026-08-07T12:26:54Z

Cool6dad:

[[Image:Church3.jpg|right|300px|right]]
The '''Orthodox Church''' is an international group of Patriarchal, [[Autocephalous]] and Autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith.

Each Church is led by a Synod of Bishops. The [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is regarded as "First among Equals."

Eastern Orthodox churches were heavily persecuted in [[Soviet]] times. Since 1992, the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] has been restored as the official [[religion]] of the [[Russian Federation]].

== The Great Schism ==
The [[Great Schism]] is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the [[Filioque]] phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]].

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church Florence.jpg|thumb|200px|Russian Orthodox Church in [[Florence]].]]

==Icons==
The Orthodox Church claims to have inherited it's traditions from the Apostolic Church. Dr. John B. Carpenter has challenged that claim by trying to show that icons (from the Greek ''eikona'', meaning images) were not originally accepted in the Christian Church.<ref>John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, pp. 107-122.</ref> He claims that the early church appears to have inherited the opposition to icons from second temple, Talmudic Judaism. Hence, early Christians were accused of being "atheists" by Romans who assumed the absence of images meant the absence of belief in gods.<ref>For example, ''Martyrdom of Polycarp'', chapter 9; cited by John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 111.</ref> Origen (184-254) responded to the charge of "atheism" by admitting that Christians did not use images in worship, following the Second Commandment.<ref>Origin, Contra Celsus, Book VII, Chapter 64; according to John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 112.</ref> Canon 36 of the Council of Elvira (c. 305) states, “Pictures are not to be placed in churches, so that they do not become objects of worship and adoration.” About the year 327 the early church historian Eusebius (c. AD 263 – 339) wrote, "To depict purely the human form of Christ before its transformation, on the other hand, is to break the commandment of God and to fall into pagan error."<ref>David M. Gwynn, From Iconoclasm to Arianism: The Construction of Christian Tradition in the Iconoclast Controversy [Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies 47 (2007) 225–251], p. 227.</ref> Epiphanius (inter 310–320 – 403), bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus wrote, in Letter 51 (c. 394), to John, Bishop of Jerusalem about an incident of finding an image in a church in his jurisdiction: "I went in to pray, and found there a curtain hanging on the doors of the said church, dyed and embroidered. It bore an image either of Christ or of one of the saints; I do not rightly remember whose the image was. Seeing this, and being loath that an image of a man should be hung up in Christ's church contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures, I tore it asunder and advised the custodians of the place to use it as a winding sheet for some poor person." He goes on to tell John that such images are “contrary to our religion” and to instruct the presbyter of the church that such images are “an occasion of offense.”<ref>John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 118.</ref> Carpenter concludes that the issue of icons arose some time after the fourth century and they were originally opposed, only being accepted by the second "Seventh Ecumenical Council" (787) which he says constitutes the true beginning of the Orthodox Church.<ref>Carpenter, ibid. p. 122.</ref>

== Pictures of Eastern Orthodox Churches ==

''See also:'' [[Famous Cathedrals]]

[[File:Kyiv St.Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.jpg|center|500px|thumbnail|St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, Ukraine]]
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[[File:St. Sophia's Cathedral Kiev.jpg|thumbnail|center|550px|St. Sophia's Cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine.]]
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[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|center|500px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
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[[File:1024px-Володимирський собор, вид зі сторони входу.jpg|thumbnail|center|500px|Saint Volodymyr's Cathedral in Ukraine.]]
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[[File:Reknown blue domes of the Church dedicated to St. Spirou in Firostefani, Santorini island (Thira), Greece.jpg||center|500px|thumbnail|Reknown blue domes of the Church dedicated to St. Spirou in Firostefani, Santorini island (Thira), Greece]]
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== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.)
====Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem====
Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-iggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to Russian physicist Andrey Volkov, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; [[Orthodox Easter]] often occurs at a later date than [[Easter | Western Easter]] 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== See also ==
*[[Orthodox Church]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[American_Christianity | American Christianity]]
*[[Christianity | Christianity]]

== External links ==

*[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]
*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]
*[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]
*[http://www.mospat.ru/?lng=1 Official Web Site Of The Moscow Patriarchate]

*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]
*[https://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]
== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Medieval History]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]

Eastern Orthodox Church

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Eastern Orthodox Church

2026-08-07T12:25:28Z

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[[Image:Church3.jpg|right|300px|right]]
The '''Orthodox Church''' is an international group of Patriarchal, [[Autocephalous]] and Autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith.

Each Church is led by a Synod of Bishops. The [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is regarded as "First among Equals."

Eastern Orthodox churches were heavily persecuted in [[Soviet]] times. Since 1992, the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] has been restored as the official [[religion]] of the [[Russian Federation]].

== The Great Schism ==
The [[Great Schism]] is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the [[Filioque]] phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]].

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church Florence.jpg|thumb|200px|Russian Orthodox Church in [[Florence]].]]

==Icons==
The Orthodox Church claims to have inherited it's traditions from the Apostolic Church. Dr. John B. Carpenter has challenged that claim by trying to show that icons (from the Greek ''eikona'', meaning images) were not originally accepted in the Christian Church.<ref>John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, pp. 107-122.</ref> He claims that the early church appears to have inherited the opposition to icons from second temple, Talmudic Judaism. Hence, early Christians were accused of being "atheists" by Romans who assumed the absence of images meant the absence of belief in gods.<ref>For example, ''Martyrdom of Polycarp'', chapter 9; cited by John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 111.</ref> Origen (184-254) responded to the charge of "atheism" by admitting that Christians did not use images in worship, following the Second Commandment.<ref>Origin, Contra Celsus, Book VII, Chapter 64; according to John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 112.</ref> Canon 36 of the Council of Elvira (c. 305) states, “Pictures are not to be placed in churches, so that they do not become objects of worship and adoration.” About the year 327 the early church historian Eusebius (c. AD 263 – 339) wrote, "To depict purely the human form of Christ before its transformation, on the other hand, is to break the commandment of God and to fall into pagan error."<ref>David M. Gwynn, From Iconoclasm to Arianism: The Construction of Christian Tradition in the Iconoclast Controversy [Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies 47 (2007) 225–251], p. 227.</ref> Epiphanius (inter 310–320 – 403), bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus wrote, in Letter 51 (c. 394), to John, Bishop of Jerusalem about an incident of finding an image in a church in his jurisdiction: "I went in to pray, and found there a curtain hanging on the doors of the said church, dyed and embroidered. It bore an image either of Christ or of one of the saints; I do not rightly remember whose the image was. Seeing this, and being loath that an image of a man should be hung up in Christ's church contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures, I tore it asunder and advised the custodians of the place to use it as a winding sheet for some poor person." He goes on to tell John that such images are “contrary to our religion” and to instruct the presbyter of the church that such images are “an occasion of offense.”<ref>John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 118.</ref> Carpenter concludes that the issue of icons arose some time after the fourth century and they were originally opposed, only being accepted by the second "Seventh Ecumenical Council" (787) which he says constitutes the true beginning of the Orthodox Church.<ref>Carpenter, ibid. p. 122.</ref>

== Pictures of Eastern Orthodox Churches ==

''See also:'' [[Famous Cathedrals]]

[[File:Kyiv St.Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.jpg|center|500px|thumbnail|St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, Ukraine]]
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[[File:St. Sophia's Cathedral Kiev.jpg|thumbnail|center|550px|St. Sophia's Cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine.]]
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[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|center|500px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
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[[File:1024px-Володимирський собор, вид зі сторони входу.jpg|thumbnail|center|500px|Saint Volodymyr's Cathedral in Ukraine.]]
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[[File:Reknown blue domes of the Church dedicated to St. Spirou in Firostefani, Santorini island (Thira), Greece.jpg||center|500px|thumbnail|Reknown blue domes of the Church dedicated to St. Spirou in Firostefani, Santorini island (Thira), Greece]]
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== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.)
==== Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem ==== Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-iggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to Russian physicist Andrey Volkov, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; [[Orthodox Easter]] often occurs at a later date than [[Easter | Western Easter]] 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== See also ==
*[[Orthodox Church]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[American_Christianity | American Christianity]]
*[[Christianity | Christianity]]

== External links ==

*[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]
*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]
*[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]
*[http://www.mospat.ru/?lng=1 Official Web Site Of The Moscow Patriarchate]

*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]
*[https://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]
== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Medieval History]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]

Eastern Orthodox Church

2026-08-07T12:24:47Z

Cool6dad:

[[Image:Church3.jpg|right|300px|right]]
The '''Orthodox Church''' is an international group of Patriarchal, [[Autocephalous]] and Autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith.

Each Church is led by a Synod of Bishops. The [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is regarded as "First among Equals."

Eastern Orthodox churches were heavily persecuted in [[Soviet]] times. Since 1992, the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] has been restored as the official [[religion]] of the [[Russian Federation]].

== The Great Schism ==
The [[Great Schism]] is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the [[Filioque]] phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]].

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church Florence.jpg|thumb|200px|Russian Orthodox Church in [[Florence]].]]

==Icons==
The Orthodox Church claims to have inherited it's traditions from the Apostolic Church. Dr. John B. Carpenter has challenged that claim by trying to show that icons (from the Greek ''eikona'', meaning images) were not originally accepted in the Christian Church.<ref>John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, pp. 107-122.</ref> He claims that the early church appears to have inherited the opposition to icons from second temple, Talmudic Judaism. Hence, early Christians were accused of being "atheists" by Romans who assumed the absence of images meant the absence of belief in gods.<ref>For example, ''Martyrdom of Polycarp'', chapter 9; cited by John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 111.</ref> Origen (184-254) responded to the charge of "atheism" by admitting that Christians did not use images in worship, following the Second Commandment.<ref>Origin, Contra Celsus, Book VII, Chapter 64; according to John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 112.</ref> Canon 36 of the Council of Elvira (c. 305) states, “Pictures are not to be placed in churches, so that they do not become objects of worship and adoration.” About the year 327 the early church historian Eusebius (c. AD 263 – 339) wrote, "To depict purely the human form of Christ before its transformation, on the other hand, is to break the commandment of God and to fall into pagan error."<ref>David M. Gwynn, From Iconoclasm to Arianism: The Construction of Christian Tradition in the Iconoclast Controversy [Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies 47 (2007) 225–251], p. 227.</ref> Epiphanius (inter 310–320 – 403), bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus wrote, in Letter 51 (c. 394), to John, Bishop of Jerusalem about an incident of finding an image in a church in his jurisdiction: "I went in to pray, and found there a curtain hanging on the doors of the said church, dyed and embroidered. It bore an image either of Christ or of one of the saints; I do not rightly remember whose the image was. Seeing this, and being loath that an image of a man should be hung up in Christ's church contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures, I tore it asunder and advised the custodians of the place to use it as a winding sheet for some poor person." He goes on to tell John that such images are “contrary to our religion” and to instruct the presbyter of the church that such images are “an occasion of offense.”<ref>John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 118.</ref> Carpenter concludes that the issue of icons arose some time after the fourth century and they were originally opposed, only being accepted by the second "Seventh Ecumenical Council" (787) which he says constitutes the true beginning of the Orthodox Church.<ref>Carpenter, ibid. p. 122.</ref>

== Pictures of Eastern Orthodox Churches ==

''See also:'' [[Famous Cathedrals]]

[[File:Kyiv St.Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.jpg|center|500px|thumbnail|St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, Ukraine]]
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[[File:St. Sophia's Cathedral Kiev.jpg|thumbnail|center|550px|St. Sophia's Cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine.]]
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[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|center|500px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
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[[File:1024px-Володимирський собор, вид зі сторони входу.jpg|thumbnail|center|500px|Saint Volodymyr's Cathedral in Ukraine.]]
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[[File:Reknown blue domes of the Church dedicated to St. Spirou in Firostefani, Santorini island (Thira), Greece.jpg||center|500px|thumbnail|Reknown blue domes of the Church dedicated to St. Spirou in Firostefani, Santorini island (Thira), Greece]]
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== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.) 
====Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem==== Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-iggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to Russian physicist Andrey Volkov, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; [[Orthodox Easter]] often occurs at a later date than [[Easter | Western Easter]] 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== See also ==
*[[Orthodox Church]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[American_Christianity | American Christianity]]
*[[Christianity | Christianity]]

== External links ==

*[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]
*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]
*[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]
*[http://www.mospat.ru/?lng=1 Official Web Site Of The Moscow Patriarchate]

*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]
*[https://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]
== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Medieval History]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]

Eastern Orthodox Church

2026-08-07T12:23:06Z

Cool6dad:

[[Image:Church3.jpg|right|300px|right]]
The '''Orthodox Church''' is an international group of Patriarchal, [[Autocephalous]] and Autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith.

Each Church is led by a Synod of Bishops. The [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is regarded as "First among Equals."

Eastern Orthodox churches were heavily persecuted in [[Soviet]] times. Since 1992, the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] has been restored as the official [[religion]] of the [[Russian Federation]].

== The Great Schism ==
The [[Great Schism]] is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the [[Filioque]] phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]].

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church Florence.jpg|thumb|200px|Russian Orthodox Church in [[Florence]].]]

==Icons==
The Orthodox Church claims to have inherited it's traditions from the Apostolic Church. Dr. John B. Carpenter has challenged that claim by trying to show that icons (from the Greek ''eikona'', meaning images) were not originally accepted in the Christian Church.<ref>John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, pp. 107-122.</ref> He claims that the early church appears to have inherited the opposition to icons from second temple, Talmudic Judaism. Hence, early Christians were accused of being "atheists" by Romans who assumed the absence of images meant the absence of belief in gods.<ref>For example, ''Martyrdom of Polycarp'', chapter 9; cited by John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 111.</ref> Origen (184-254) responded to the charge of "atheism" by admitting that Christians did not use images in worship, following the Second Commandment.<ref>Origin, Contra Celsus, Book VII, Chapter 64; according to John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 112.</ref> Canon 36 of the Council of Elvira (c. 305) states, “Pictures are not to be placed in churches, so that they do not become objects of worship and adoration.” About the year 327 the early church historian Eusebius (c. AD 263 – 339) wrote, "To depict purely the human form of Christ before its transformation, on the other hand, is to break the commandment of God and to fall into pagan error."<ref>David M. Gwynn, From Iconoclasm to Arianism: The Construction of Christian Tradition in the Iconoclast Controversy [Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies 47 (2007) 225–251], p. 227.</ref> Epiphanius (inter 310–320 – 403), bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus wrote, in Letter 51 (c. 394), to John, Bishop of Jerusalem about an incident of finding an image in a church in his jurisdiction: "I went in to pray, and found there a curtain hanging on the doors of the said church, dyed and embroidered. It bore an image either of Christ or of one of the saints; I do not rightly remember whose the image was. Seeing this, and being loath that an image of a man should be hung up in Christ's church contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures, I tore it asunder and advised the custodians of the place to use it as a winding sheet for some poor person." He goes on to tell John that such images are “contrary to our religion” and to instruct the presbyter of the church that such images are “an occasion of offense.”<ref>John B. Carpenter, "Icons and the Eastern Orthodox Claim to Continuity with the Early Church," ''Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics'', Vol. 6, No. 1, 2013, p. 118.</ref> Carpenter concludes that the issue of icons arose some time after the fourth century and they were originally opposed, only being accepted by the second "Seventh Ecumenical Council" (787) which he says constitutes the true beginning of the Orthodox Church.<ref>Carpenter, ibid. p. 122.</ref>

== Pictures of Eastern Orthodox Churches ==

''See also:'' [[Famous Cathedrals]]

[[File:Kyiv St.Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.jpg|center|500px|thumbnail|St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, Ukraine]]
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[[File:St. Sophia's Cathedral Kiev.jpg|thumbnail|center|550px|St. Sophia's Cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine.]]
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[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|center|500px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
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[[File:1024px-Володимирський собор, вид зі сторони входу.jpg|thumbnail|center|500px|Saint Volodymyr's Cathedral in Ukraine.]]
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[[File:Reknown blue domes of the Church dedicated to St. Spirou in Firostefani, Santorini island (Thira), Greece.jpg||center|500px|thumbnail|Reknown blue domes of the Church dedicated to St. Spirou in Firostefani, Santorini island (Thira), Greece]]
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== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*[[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*[[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.) 
'''Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.''' Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-iggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to Russian physicist Andrey Volkov, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; [[Orthodox Easter]] often occurs at a later date than [[Easter | Western Easter]] 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== See also ==
*[[Orthodox Church]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[American_Christianity | American Christianity]]
*[[Christianity | Christianity]]

== External links ==

*[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]
*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]
*[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]
*[http://www.mospat.ru/?lng=1 Official Web Site Of The Moscow Patriarchate]

*[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]
*[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]
*[https://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]
== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Medieval History]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]

Orthodox Easter

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'''Orthodox Easter''' also known as '''Pascha''' is an [[Orthodox Christianity|Orthodox Christian]] holiday marking the celebration of the [[Resurrection Sunday|Resurrection of Christ]] as it occurs according to the [[Julian calendar]]. As in the Western tradition, Orthodox Easter is always celebrated on a Sunday. It is a movable feast which falls between March 22 and April 25 according to the [[Julian calendar]], or April 4 and May 8 of the [[Gregorian calendar]].

'''See also''' [[Resurrection Sunday]]
[[Category:Observances]]
[[Category:Holidays]]
[[Category:Christianity]]

Orthodox Easter

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Orthodox Church

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Cool6dad:

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church.jpg|right|300px]]
The '''Orthodox Churches''' are the second largest body of [[Christians]], with an estimated membership between 250 million and 350 million people. The Orthodox Churches understand themselves to constitute the original Catholic Christian Church founded by [[Jesus Christ]]. Members believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Orthodox faith is notable for its use of [[icon]]s, candles, incense, relics of [[saint]]s, and beautiful vestments during her rich liturgical services. It is often confused with the Byzantine-rite Catholics who are in communion with the [[Pope]] of [[Rome]]. The Orthodox are not in communion with the [[Roman Catholics]], whom they view as holding several false doctrines. While in [[Western civilization|the West]], the Orthodox Churches may be thought of as the Church in [[Russia]], [[Greece]], and other [[Eastern European]] countries, they are present on all inhabited continents and in most countries worldwide. The original church or community of the East before the [[Great Schism]] in 1054 comprised: the Greek churches founded by [[Saint Paul]], and the Antiochian and Asia Minor churches founded by Saint Peter.<ref>[https://stbartsestes.org/questions-and-interesting-facts/which-apostle-started-the-greek-orthodox-church.html]</ref>

== Beliefs of Orthodox Christians ==
Orthodox Churches are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals signifying honor rather than authority.
While the Orthodox Church draws its beliefs from a very wide variety of sources, including the [[Gospels]], the other books of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]]s, the written histories, the writings and sayings of saints, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, angelic communication and other direct spiritual experiences, icons, the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) and many other things besides, the core of what they believe is contained in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and [[Apostolic Tradition|Tradition]], (the deposit of faith).

The Creed:

<blockquote>''I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the [[Holy Spirit]] and the [[Virgin Mary]], and became man. And He was crucified for us under [[Pontius Pilate]], and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. [[Amen]].''</blockquote>
[[Image:Malbis Church altar.jpg|thumb|Greek Orthodox Church outside Mobile, Alabama.]]
This creed is professed by all Orthodox Christians prior to baptism, and at every celebration of the Divine Liturgy (the main service of the Orthodox Church).

The [[Bible]]
The Orthodox regard the Bible as the main source of and rule against which the life, actions, words, and thoughts of the Church and her members are judged. Its role in the life of the church can not be overstated. It is read from at every service, in fact, most of the services of the Orthodox Church consist, at least in part, of chanting large portions of the Bible.

The Gospels are accorded a special place in the worship of the Orthodox Church. They are afforded great honor. For example, they are bound in Gold, often beset with gems, and separate from the rest of the Bible. They are carried in processions, they are kissed, they are bowed to, and they are censed. All stand when the Gospel is read during a service. When the Gospel is not being venerated or being read from it is kept on the Altar.

All Orthodox Christians are expected to read from the Gospels and the [[Epistles]] every day, except during [[Lent]] when Old Testament readings are assigned.

According to [[Protestantism]], the Orthodox Church like the Church of Rome, does not heed the biblical warning to reject traditions of men in favour of the Word of God.<ref>See [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A8-23&version=KJV Colossians 2:8-23]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+4%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Timothy 4:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A18-19&version=KJV 1 John 2:18-19]</ref> The Orthodox Church, like the Church of Rome, heeds the biblical command to faithfully keep to the traditions handed down by the apostles,<ref>See [[Apostolic succession]].</ref> implicitly and explicitly rooted firmly in the [[Biblical Canon|whole Orthodox Bible]] and the mind of Christ in the Church<ref>Greek ''ραράδοσις'' paradosis is variously translated in the New Testament as "ordinance", "tradition", "practice", "custom", "unwritten/oral teaching", as teachings received from the apostles and handed down (Lat. ''tradere'' "to deliver") according to the mind of Christ: [[Apostolic Tradition]] (compare Strong's number G3862). See various versions of [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 11:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+2%3A14-15&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A6&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:6]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A14&version=KJV 2 Timothy 1:14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Timothy 2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A2-4&version=KJV 2 Timothy 4:2-4]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+5%3A32-33&version=KJV Deuteronomy 5:32-33]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A17&version=KJV Hebrews 13:17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-18&version=KJV Matthew 18:15-18]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3%3A15&version=KJV 1 Timothy 3:15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A12-14&version=KJV John 16:12-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A10&version=KJV Ephesians 3:10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A30-31&version=KJV John 20:30-31]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A25&version=KJV John 21:25]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A12&version=KJV 2 John 12]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A9-10&version=KJV 2 John 9-10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+1%3A13-14&version=KJV 3 John 13-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A19&version=KJV Revelation 22:19]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=KJV Matthew 28:19-20]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A19-2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Peter 1:19–2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A15-17&version=KJV 2 Peter 3:15-17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2%3A10-16&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 2:10-16]</ref><ref>See also [https://www.openbible.info/topics/traditions 100 Bible Verses about Traditions (openbible.info)].</ref>

=== Theosis ===
Theosis is the belief that Christians can experience a union with God and become like him so much that they participate in the divine nature. Theosis does not mean that they become gods or merge with God, only that they are deified. These Christians are said not to participate in God's essence. Furthermore, this deification does not mean that a person stops sinning or no longer struggles with sin. Instead, theosis is a mystical union with God that proceeds throughout the person's life and culminates in the resurrection of the body. Some have said that this is equivalent to sanctification as taught in the Western churches.<ref>https://carm.org/what-is-theosis</ref>

Verses that Eastern Orthodox Christians use to support theosis include John 17:22-23, 2 Peter 1:4, and 2 Corinthians 3:18. The biblical basis for theosis, according to Eastern Orthodox Christians, begins, however, with the creation account in Genesis, specifically 1:26. Theosis is implicit in the doctrine of the imago dei: humanity being made in the divine image.

The divine likeness implies our calling to be in communion with God, rendering man unique to the rest of Creation. This moves beyond the legal model, which focuses more on our external legal or judicial status and good moral behavior – rather than the transformation of our inner nature. As a result of Adam and Eve's sin, the image of God has become marred in us. In the Incarnation, God came to restore the imago dei (image of God). Salvation as theosis is based on the restoration of the image of God in us, which in turn calls for the restoration of communion with God, resulting in a change in human nature, i.e., ontological consequences.

According to Robert Arakaki, author at Orthodox Reformed Bridge:
{{cquote|Many Protestants find the doctrine of theosis dubious despite the fact it is found in Scripture. We read in 2 Peter 1:3-4. This does not mean we participate in God’s essence (ousia). Rather we are transformed into the likeness of Christ through participation in his grace, i.e., divine energies. The footnote commentary in the Orthodox Study Bible for 2 Peter 1:4 reads:

*''This [Theosis] does not mean we become divine by nature. If we participated in God’s essence, the distinction between God and man would be abolished. What this does mean is that we participate in God’s energy, described by a number of terms in scripture, such as glory, life, love, virtue, and power. We are to become like God by his grace and truly His adopted children, but never becoming God by nature.''

The phrase “participate in the divine nature” (NIV) or “partakers of the divine nature” (KJV, OSB) is a translation of: “γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως.” [Greek NT] The Greek for “participate” or “share” is κοινωνος (koinonos) which has a range of meanings. It has been used with reference to sharing in glory (1 Peter 5:1), sharing in Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10), and fellowship in the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:1). It can have a spiritual/sacramental sense. Participation in a religious service, Christian or otherwise, has definite spiritual consequences. Participation in a pagan sacrifice results in participation with demonic forces (1 Corinthians 10:20) and likewise participation in the Eucharist results in participation in Christ’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16). The emphasis here is on participation, transformation, and experiential change, rather than a judicial declaration of legal status. This distinction is central to the different attitude Orthodox and the Reformed have toward the fullness of salvation in Christ.<ref>https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxbridge/theosis-and-our-salvation-in-christ/</ref>}}

Robert Arakaki also remarks that "The reference to the visible transformation of Moses’ appearance in 2 Corinthians 3:13 points to an ontological transformation, not just behavioral and attitudinal changes. Theosis also has eschatological implications," with Arakaki noting 1 John 3:2-3.

== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Elias, Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Elias, Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Silouan, Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Basilios, Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Metropolitan of Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ephrem, Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ghattas, Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Efraim Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Nicolas, Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Gregorios, Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Athanasisos Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Niphon, Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Silwan (Oner), Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ignatius, Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Isaac, Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Saba, [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence Metropolitan Jacques Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Damaskinos, [[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Sergio, Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ignatius, Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Basilios, [[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.) 
'''Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.''' Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-iggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to Russian physicist Andrey Volkov, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; [[Orthodox Easter]] often occurs at a later date than [[Easter | Western Easter]] 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

This disagreement has arisen several times over the years:<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOgnERhs-c</ref>
*In 1832 the Greek Orthodox Church was declared autocephalous by the secular Greek government, a move not recognized by Constantinople. However, in 1850 Constantinople did declare the body to be autocephalous, but as it was BOTH within the geographical territory of Constantinople AND declared such by its Patriarch, the overarching issue was not resolved.
*A similar issue took place when the Bulgarian, Serbian, and Romanian bodies were declared autocephalous, as they were in the same situation as the Greek church before.
*In 1917, the Russian Church declared the Georgian Orthodox Church (at that time under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, which Constantinople did not recognize at the time, but in 1990 it finally did so.
*In 1970, the Russian Church declared the American Orthodox Church (which is under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, a decision Constantinople did not recognize and still does not.

The disagreement has come to the forefront over recognition of the Ukrainian Orthodox body, resulting in Constantinople declaring the Russian Church in 2019 to be schismatic.
{{Christianity}}
In 2022, it was reported that attendance at Russian Orthodox Church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20230317141802/https://mercatornet.com/few-russians-go-to-church-many-who-dont-may-still-be-influenced-by-their-patriarchs-tirades/78666/ attendance at Russian Orthodox church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.]</ref>

Also, according to a 2019 report "Using data from surveys carried out by the Higher School of Economics in Moscow in 2018, the sociologist Yana Roshchina worked out that while almost 81 percent of adult Russians consider themselves Orthodox, this is often a declaration of identity rather than faith. Just 6 percent of the population and 43 percent of believers go to church several times a month. According to Interior Ministry statistics, 4.3 million people across the country attended Easter services in 2019 – around 100,000 fewer than a year before."<ref>[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/05/29/russians-are-not-waiting-for-a-church-boom-a65792 Russians Are Not Waiting for a Church Boom], 2019</ref>

Pew Research reported in 2017: "Relatively few Orthodox or Catholic adults in Central and Eastern Europe say they regularly attend worship services, pray often or consider religion central to their lives. For example, a median of just 10% of Orthodox Christians across the region say they go to church on a weekly basis."<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2017/05/10/religious-belief-and-national-belonging-in-central-and-eastern-europe/ Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe], Pew Research, 2017</ref>

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== Oriental Orthodox Churches ==

''See:'' [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] Unlike other Orthodox churches, Oriental Orthodox churches are ''NOT'' under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. '''They are separate denominations.'''

The [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] are Eastern Christian churches adhering to [[Miaphysite Christology]], with approximately 50 million members worldwide.
*Some of them were formed in the [[Great_Schism | Chalcedonian Schism]] of 451 AD.

*The [[Indian Orthodox Church| Malankara Orthodox Church]] in India, just separated by distance, so was always run as an Autocephalous church under the Catholicos of the Apostolic throne of St. Thomas.

== History of the Orthodox Church in North America ==
===The Russians===
In 1794 several monks from Russia's northeastern monasteries began working with the native population of Kodiak and Unalaska Islands. Among those monks was St. Herman.

St. Herman was born in the town of Serpukhov in the [[Moscow]] Diocese around 1756. At the age of 16, he entered the monastic life at the Trinity-St. Sergius Hermitage near St. Petersburg. While here he developed a severe throat infection from which he nearly died. After fervent prayer before an icon of the Theotokos, he fell into a deep sleep. During this sleep, He dreamed that he was healed by the Virgin and upon waking, he had completely recovered. A few years later, he moved to the Valaam Monastery on [[Lake Ladoga]]. At this time the Golikov-Shelikov Company - licensed to exploit the resources of Alaska - requested monks to work in a new Alaskan mission. Father Herman was among the eight monks selected. They arrived on Kodiak Island on September 24, 1794, and immediately set out on the task of educating and converting the natives. Eventually, only Fr. Herman survived from this original mission.
[[Image:Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.jpg|thumb|300px|Orthodox Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.]]
The members of the mission felt that it was their duty to protect the Alaskans from harm and exploitation. They defended them against the often cruel treatment of the Russian-American Company which controlled the colony under the leadership of the cruel Alexander Baranov. As a result of their protests, and because they tried to place the natives under imperial protection by administering an oath of allegiance to the Czar to them, Baranov threatened the monks with physical violence and even placed them under house arrest.

Sometime between 1808 and 1818, Fr. Herman went to Spruce Island. He spent the rest of his life on the island, where he cared for orphans, established and ran a school, and continued his missionary work. He lived the ascetic life which has been standard since the time of the Desert Fathers. He built a small chapel and guest house. Food for himself and the orphans was produced from his own experimental garden. He wore the simplest clothing and his cell was practically empty. His life was devoted to prayer and to following the services he could do as a layman who had not been ordained.

His love grew to the point that he could see into the hearts of his spiritual children and help them. The natives regarded him as their intercessor before God. When there was a tidal wave (tsunami) on the Island, Fr. Herman took an Icon of the Theotokos, placed it on the beach and assured the people that the water would not rise beyond the place where the Icon was, and it did not. When there was a great fire on the island, he dug a trench and stayed the flames. Prior to his death he foretold that there would be no priest to bury him and that he would be forgotten for 30 years. He died on December 12, 1837, and was forgotten until 1867 when Bishop Peter of Alaska heard about him and had his life investigated. This investigation was followed by publications of his life in 1894, 1900, and 1952. In 1952 an Akathist Hymn was composed, and on March 11, 1969, the Great Council of Bishops solemnly proclaimed the Act of the Universal Church Canonization of the Staretz Herman to Sainthood in the Orthodox Church in America: "Taking into consideration the long and undisputed witness of the grace of God, appearing through the servant of God, the Staretz Herman of Alaska." The Canonization was performed on August 7–9, 1970.

In 1822, the Holy Synod of Russia decided it was time to send a priest to perfect the work of the monks. A priest named Ionn volunteered to be that priest. In 1823, the 26 year old Fr. Ionn and his family set off for Unalaska Island. He built a church with his own hands, learned the language of the local people, the Aleuts, composed an alphabet for their previously unwritten language, and translated the Gospel of Matthew into Aleutian. He also translated a catechism and some liturgical books for the Aleuts, and wrote the first book ever written in the Aleutian language, a brief course in dogmatics entitled, “A Guideline to the Kingdom of God". Considered one of the best catechetical courses and educational aids for children and youth, this course has been reprinted in several languages many times since.

Fr. Ionn established a school with an enrollment of 600 children, built a hospital, and fought hard against the practice of polygamy that treated women as property. After ten years on the island, Father Ioann had baptized all of the people in the archipelago. He made a trip in 1829 to Nushegak on the American continent and preached the Word of God to people who lived on the [[Bering Sea]] coast and baptized those who came to believe.

In 1839, Fr. Ionn returned to Russia to convince the Holy Synod of the need for establishing a permanent mission in North America. While he was on this trip back home, he received the news of the death of his wife. After a pilgrimage to St. Sergius Monastery of the Holy Trinity and to the shrines in Kiev, Archpriest Ioann, on the advice of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, took monastic vows on November 29. He took the name of Innocent, after Bishop Innocent of Irkutsk, and was elevated to the rank of archimandrite on the following day. In 1840, the Holy Synod in Moscow created a new diocese in North America and consecrated the Archimandrite Innocent as its new Bishop. In 1855, St. Innocent was elevated to Metropolitan of Moscow. While serving in that capacity, he established the Orthodox Missionary Society to help fund mission work. He was concerned for arranging the work of theological schools in his diocese, opened a school for icon-painting and other arts for poor children and orphans, transformed Philaret's college into a school for daughters of the clergy who did not receive any pensions or allowances, founded the large Ostrovsky alms-house, and wrote educational aids for the clergy of the staff list, as well as their widows and orphans.

At the same time, the great enlightener continued his concern for the Russian Orthodox Church in North America. It was on his initiative that the Holy Governing Synod chose San Francisco as the bishop's See. Metropolitan Innocent also emphasized the need for the clergy to know English and for the Church to train priests from among local Americans as a necessary condition for strengthening Orthodoxy in the American continent.

Feeling his death approaching, Metropolitan Innocent of Moscow and Kolomna asked on the Great Tuesday, 27 March 1879, that the Sacrament of Holy Unction be administered to him. On the Great Thursday, 29 March, he Communed. On Great and Holy Saturday, March 31, the Metropolitan, Equal to the Apostles, fell asleep in the Lord.

The Orthodox Church's next great burst of growth in America occurred during the ministry of St. Tikhon of Moscow, the Enlightener of North America.

St. Tikhon was a missionary bishop to North America. During his short ministry in North America he became a U.S. Citizen, and the Church grew from 15 parishes to 70 parishes. He was called back to Moscow in 1907. He was elected Metropolitan on August 15, 1917. On November 5 of the same year he was selected, by drawing lots, to be the Patriarch of Moscow and all the Rus’. The Communists accused him of sabotage and imprisoned him from April 1922 through June 1923. He fell ill and was hospitalized in 1924, and fell asleep in the Lord on March 25, 1925, just two days after serving his last Divine Liturgy.

One of St. Tikhon's most important decisions during his time in North America had to do with how to minister to Orthodox Christians from the Middle East who were arriving on the East Coast. He realized that these newest members of his flock needed someone who could speak their language and who was familiar with their distinct customs so he asked the Patriarch of Antioch to send him an Arabic-speaking priest.

The priest who arrived was Fr. Raphael Hawaweeny. In 1904, he was consecrated a Bishop by St. Tikhon and St. Innocent and from then until his death in 1915, he was known as Bishop Raphael of Brooklyn. During the course of his ministry, he established 29 parishes and assisted in the establishment of a monastery in [[Pennsylvania]]. He was recognized, even while living, as a saint but was not officially glorified by the Church until March 2000.

===The Russian Revolution===
With the rise of [[atheism|atheistic]] [[Communism]] in Russia and the corresponding infiltration of the KGB into the Orthodox Church in Russia, many Orthodox Christians in North America began clamoring for bishops they could trust. Additionally, the Russian Church split into two factions: The Metropolia (today known as the Orthodox Church in America or OCA) and the Patriarchal parishes. Essentially, the Patriarchate of Moscow sued the church in America for control of properties and actually won some of the cases. The parishes in those cases went under the direct jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Moscow. A third group of Russian bishops arrived in the United States following the Russian Revolution. They called themselves the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. For a while, they merged with the Metropolia but they did not think of themselves as Americans or as missionaries to America. They were intent on keeping Russian culture alive among the exiles and returning to Russia someday. They eventually split off from the Metropolia.

Amidst this confusion, there was a desire for bishops from the “old country”; that is, Serbs wanted a Serb bishop, Albanians wanted an Albanian bishop, etc. And the Archbishops and Patriarchs from the “old countries” were happy to send them. Thus, right after the Russian Revolution, what had been an administratively unified Church in the U.S. became administratively fragmented.

Around 1998, former KGB agent Konstantin Preobrazhensky investigated some recent deaths among the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, including Archpriest Lev Lebedev of Kursk in April 1998, and suspected that then-FSB head [[Vladimir Putin]] had been involved in the assassination.<ref>https://westernfreepress.com/2017/12/21/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref><ref>https://www.trevorloudon.com/2017/12/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref>

== The Present Situation in North America ==
[[Image:Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City Tennessee.jpg|thumb|300px|Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City, Tennessee.]]
Orthodox Churches in America today. The Orthodox Church continues to grow in North America. Most of its bishops were born in America, many having converted (either from religions outside Christianity or other Christian churches) as adults. The Orthodox church has experienced a couple of waves of mass conversions, such as when several thousand Byzantine-rite Catholics converted in the early 20th Century.
 
The Orthodox in America have established one undergraduate college, Holy Cross in Boston as well as several seminaries (including Anchorage, [[New York]], [[Boston]], and Pennsylvania), one practical ministerial institute (Penn.), and a graduate school for lay theologians (Berkeley). Some of their parishes have Saturday schools where Greek, Russian, and other languages as well as theology and culture are taught to children. A few parishes have established High Schools and elementary schools.
 
Several monasteries have been established for men and women, and two (one in New York and one in Miami) have converted from other churches and have become Orthodox monasteries.

===Orthodox Church in America===
OCA was started in 1921. After the Russian Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives</ref>. After decades of a very cold relationship, in 1970 the Metropolia was granted [[autocephalous|autocephaly]] (think of it as administrative independence) by the current Patriarch of Moscow and became known as the [[Orthodox Church in America]] (OCA). When that happened, numbers of the Romanian, Bulgarian, and Albanian Churches in the USA and Canada merged with the OCA. However, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (who claims he alone has the right to grant autocephaly to a church) has never recognized the autocephaly of the [[Orthodox Church in America]]. '''OCA continues to add members via conversions from other Christian churches or from non-Christians.''' The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) primarily uses English for its services, although it also incorporates other languages<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orthodox-Church-in-America</ref>. The [[Primate (church) | Primate]] and Chancery offices of the [[Orthodox Church in America]] are located in the canonical territory of the Archdiocese of Washington DC<ref>https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/bishops/the-most-blessed-tikhon</ref>. See Also '''[https://www.oca.org/ OCA]'''

===Antiochian Orthodox Church===
[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch]]. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church, along with Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome. The Archdiocese is autonomous, the Synod of Antioch still picks its bishop, from a list of three candidates nominated by [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | North American archdiocese]]. The archbishop resides in Englewood NJ<ref>https://www.antiochian.org/home</ref>It uses native languages for its services.<ref>https://stmichaeltx.org/orthodox-101/worship-services/what-language-are-the-services-in/</ref> See Also '''[https://www.antiochian.org/home Antiochian]'''

===Greek Orthodox Church===
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was the eparchy incorporated in 1921 under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople. In 1996, the archdiocese was split by the Ecumenical Patriarchate into four parts, those of [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | America]], [[ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada | Canada]], [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises | Central America]], and [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises |South America]]<ref>https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-history-of-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-1922-2022/</ref>. See Church of Constantinople above.

===Russian Orthodox Church===
The [[Russian Orthodox Church]] in America are under the authority of the Patriarch of Russia and Moscow. The Patriarchal Parishes in the USA is a canonical branch of Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) combining parishes and monasteries in the United States and Mexico. The Patriarchal Parishes were all that was left in 1970, with the granting of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in America<ref>https://www.mospatusa.com/history.html</ref> <ref>https://www.oca.org/questions/namerica/russian-orthodox-church-in-america</ref>.
===Ukrainian Orthodox Church===
[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]] leader is a Metropolitan bishop in New Jersey.<ref>https://uocofusa.org/</ref>. In 1921 the Church was formed by Priests who left the Roman Catholic [[Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church | Byzantine Rite Ukrainian Church]]. One of them was Joseph Zuk who was later consecrated a bishop and in 1936 they accepted the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
*[[Pentarchy]]
*[[Demetrius, Patriarch of Alexandria]]
*[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[Petrine Primacy]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Afterlife]]
*[[Exorcism]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
*[[American_Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
</div>

==References==

<References/>

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N636PYURaFg Growth of the Orthodox Church in America], Masaman, October 19, 2024. [[YouTube]].
*[https://rumble.com/v23bagm-an-orthodox-priest-is-giving-incredibly-deep-spiritual-guidance-to-russian-.html An Orthodox priest is giving incredibly deep spiritual guidance to Russian soldiers]

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Ukraine]]
[[Category:Russian History]]
[[Category:Orthodox Church]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]
[[Category:Byzantine]]

Orthodox Easter

2026-08-07T11:59:30Z

Cool6dad:

'''Orthodox Easter''' is an [[Orthodox Christianity|Orthodox Christian]] holiday marking the celebration of the [[Resurrection Sunday|Resurrection of Christ]] as it occurs according to the [[Julian calendar]]. As in the Western tradition, Orthodox Easter is always celebrated on a Sunday. It is a movable feast which falls between March 22 and April 25 according to the [[Julian calendar]], or April 4 and May 8 of the [[Gregorian calendar]].

'''See also''' [[Resurrection Sunday]]
[[Category:Holidays]]

Orthodox Church

2026-08-07T11:53:13Z

Cool6dad: added holy fire

[[Image:Russian Orthodox Church.jpg|right|300px]]
The '''Orthodox Churches''' are the second largest body of [[Christians]], with an estimated membership between 250 million and 350 million people. The Orthodox Churches understand themselves to constitute the original Catholic Christian Church founded by [[Jesus Christ]]. Members believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Orthodox faith is notable for its use of [[icon]]s, candles, incense, relics of [[saint]]s, and beautiful vestments during her rich liturgical services. It is often confused with the Byzantine-rite Catholics who are in communion with the [[Pope]] of [[Rome]]. The Orthodox are not in communion with the [[Roman Catholics]], whom they view as holding several false doctrines. While in [[Western civilization|the West]], the Orthodox Churches may be thought of as the Church in [[Russia]], [[Greece]], and other [[Eastern European]] countries, they are present on all inhabited continents and in most countries worldwide. The original church or community of the East before the [[Great Schism]] in 1054 comprised: the Greek churches founded by [[Saint Paul]], and the Antiochian and Asia Minor churches founded by Saint Peter.<ref>[https://stbartsestes.org/questions-and-interesting-facts/which-apostle-started-the-greek-orthodox-church.html]</ref>

== Beliefs of Orthodox Christians ==
Orthodox Churches are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals signifying honor rather than authority.
While the Orthodox Church draws its beliefs from a very wide variety of sources, including the [[Gospels]], the other books of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]]s, the written histories, the writings and sayings of saints, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, angelic communication and other direct spiritual experiences, icons, the Holy Mysteries (sacraments) and many other things besides, the core of what they believe is contained in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and [[Apostolic Tradition|Tradition]], (the deposit of faith).

The Creed:

<blockquote>''I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the [[Holy Spirit]] and the [[Virgin Mary]], and became man. And He was crucified for us under [[Pontius Pilate]], and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. [[Amen]].''</blockquote>
[[Image:Malbis Church altar.jpg|thumb|Greek Orthodox Church outside Mobile, Alabama.]]
This creed is professed by all Orthodox Christians prior to baptism, and at every celebration of the Divine Liturgy (the main service of the Orthodox Church).

The [[Bible]]
The Orthodox regard the Bible as the main source of and rule against which the life, actions, words, and thoughts of the Church and her members are judged. Its role in the life of the church can not be overstated. It is read from at every service, in fact, most of the services of the Orthodox Church consist, at least in part, of chanting large portions of the Bible.

The Gospels are accorded a special place in the worship of the Orthodox Church. They are afforded great honor. For example, they are bound in Gold, often beset with gems, and separate from the rest of the Bible. They are carried in processions, they are kissed, they are bowed to, and they are censed. All stand when the Gospel is read during a service. When the Gospel is not being venerated or being read from it is kept on the Altar.

All Orthodox Christians are expected to read from the Gospels and the [[Epistles]] every day, except during [[Lent]] when Old Testament readings are assigned.

According to [[Protestantism]], the Orthodox Church like the Church of Rome, does not heed the biblical warning to reject traditions of men in favour of the Word of God.<ref>See [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A8-23&version=KJV Colossians 2:8-23]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+4%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Timothy 4:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A18-19&version=KJV 1 John 2:18-19]</ref> The Orthodox Church, like the Church of Rome, heeds the biblical command to faithfully keep to the traditions handed down by the apostles,<ref>See [[Apostolic succession]].</ref> implicitly and explicitly rooted firmly in the [[Biblical Canon|whole Orthodox Bible]] and the mind of Christ in the Church<ref>Greek ''ραράδοσις'' paradosis is variously translated in the New Testament as "ordinance", "tradition", "practice", "custom", "unwritten/oral teaching", as teachings received from the apostles and handed down (Lat. ''tradere'' "to deliver") according to the mind of Christ: [[Apostolic Tradition]] (compare Strong's number G3862). See various versions of [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A1-2&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 11:1-2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+2%3A14-15&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3%3A6&version=KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:6]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A14&version=KJV 2 Timothy 1:14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Timothy 2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A2-4&version=KJV 2 Timothy 4:2-4]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+5%3A32-33&version=KJV Deuteronomy 5:32-33]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A17&version=KJV Hebrews 13:17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A15-18&version=KJV Matthew 18:15-18]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3%3A15&version=KJV 1 Timothy 3:15]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A12-14&version=KJV John 16:12-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A10&version=KJV Ephesians 3:10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A30-31&version=KJV John 20:30-31]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A25&version=KJV John 21:25]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A12&version=KJV 2 John 12]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A9-10&version=KJV 2 John 9-10]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+1%3A13-14&version=KJV 3 John 13-14]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A19&version=KJV Revelation 22:19]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=KJV Matthew 28:19-20]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A19-2%3A2&version=KJV 2 Peter 1:19–2:2]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A15-17&version=KJV 2 Peter 3:15-17]; [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2%3A10-16&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 2:10-16]</ref><ref>See also [https://www.openbible.info/topics/traditions 100 Bible Verses about Traditions (openbible.info)].</ref>

=== Theosis ===
Theosis is the belief that Christians can experience a union with God and become like him so much that they participate in the divine nature. Theosis does not mean that they become gods or merge with God, only that they are deified. These Christians are said not to participate in God's essence. Furthermore, this deification does not mean that a person stops sinning or no longer struggles with sin. Instead, theosis is a mystical union with God that proceeds throughout the person's life and culminates in the resurrection of the body. Some have said that this is equivalent to sanctification as taught in the Western churches.<ref>https://carm.org/what-is-theosis</ref>

Verses that Eastern Orthodox Christians use to support theosis include John 17:22-23, 2 Peter 1:4, and 2 Corinthians 3:18. The biblical basis for theosis, according to Eastern Orthodox Christians, begins, however, with the creation account in Genesis, specifically 1:26. Theosis is implicit in the doctrine of the imago dei: humanity being made in the divine image.

The divine likeness implies our calling to be in communion with God, rendering man unique to the rest of Creation. This moves beyond the legal model, which focuses more on our external legal or judicial status and good moral behavior – rather than the transformation of our inner nature. As a result of Adam and Eve's sin, the image of God has become marred in us. In the Incarnation, God came to restore the imago dei (image of God). Salvation as theosis is based on the restoration of the image of God in us, which in turn calls for the restoration of communion with God, resulting in a change in human nature, i.e., ontological consequences.

According to Robert Arakaki, author at Orthodox Reformed Bridge:
{{cquote|Many Protestants find the doctrine of theosis dubious despite the fact it is found in Scripture. We read in 2 Peter 1:3-4. This does not mean we participate in God’s essence (ousia). Rather we are transformed into the likeness of Christ through participation in his grace, i.e., divine energies. The footnote commentary in the Orthodox Study Bible for 2 Peter 1:4 reads:

*''This [Theosis] does not mean we become divine by nature. If we participated in God’s essence, the distinction between God and man would be abolished. What this does mean is that we participate in God’s energy, described by a number of terms in scripture, such as glory, life, love, virtue, and power. We are to become like God by his grace and truly His adopted children, but never becoming God by nature.''

The phrase “participate in the divine nature” (NIV) or “partakers of the divine nature” (KJV, OSB) is a translation of: “γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως.” [Greek NT] The Greek for “participate” or “share” is κοινωνος (koinonos) which has a range of meanings. It has been used with reference to sharing in glory (1 Peter 5:1), sharing in Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10), and fellowship in the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:1). It can have a spiritual/sacramental sense. Participation in a religious service, Christian or otherwise, has definite spiritual consequences. Participation in a pagan sacrifice results in participation with demonic forces (1 Corinthians 10:20) and likewise participation in the Eucharist results in participation in Christ’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16). The emphasis here is on participation, transformation, and experiential change, rather than a judicial declaration of legal status. This distinction is central to the different attitude Orthodox and the Reformed have toward the fullness of salvation in Christ.<ref>https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/orthodoxbridge/theosis-and-our-salvation-in-christ/</ref>}}

Robert Arakaki also remarks that "The reference to the visible transformation of Moses’ appearance in 2 Corinthians 3:13 points to an ontological transformation, not just behavioral and attitudinal changes. Theosis also has eschatological implications," with Arakaki noting 1 John 3:2-3.

== The [[Autocephalous]] Churches==
[[File:Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia.1 MB (1).jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Christ Pantocrator mosaic from Hagia Sophia]]
[[Autocephalous | Auto-cephalous]], literally self-headed or self-leading, is a rejection of the [[Western civilization|Western]] notion of a single earthly leader of the [[Christian church]]. The dispute during the [[Schism of 1054]] was over who had the power to appoint bishops. The Patriarchs of the Eastern churches rejected the claims of the Bishop of Rome (or Pope) of authority to appoint bishops, viewing it as a power grab by [[the West]]. Many of the Churches now use the [[Gregorian calendar]] the standard calendar in most of the world<ref> https://www.jesus-everyday.com/which-orthodox-churches-use-gregorian-calendar/</ref>, but others still use the [[Julian Calendar]]. On [[Julian Calendar]] Dec 25th Christmas falls on Jan 7th until 2100AD. However, [[Resurrection Sunday |Pascha(Easter)]] is still calculated differently than the West. [[Patriarch]]s, [[Primate_(church) | Primate]]s, [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church are elected through a process that involves a synod of bishops; election may also include input from clergy and laity, based on the rules of the [[Autocephalous]] church<ref>https://www.orthodoxhistory.org/2021/02/22/how-are-orthodox-patriarchs-chosen/</ref>. [[Bishop]]s in the Orthodox Church can be removed through a process known as deposition, which typically involves a vote by the synod of bishops(even a [[Patriarch]] or [[Primate_(church) | Primate]] can be removed)<ref>https://orthodoxyindialogue.com/2022/09/23/patriarch-john-formally-removes-metropolitan-joseph-from-office/</ref>.

===Church of Constantinople===
This church, which had always had a strong missionary zeal, has suffered greatly under the heel of [[Islam]]. Also, the catastrophic effect of the Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox [[patriarch]]. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured its missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, [[Australia]], India, Korea, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and South America. The Church of [[Constantinople]] also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by [[Andrew the Apostle|St. Andrew]] but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until [[Constantine]] moved the capital of the [[Roman Empire]] to this city and the [[Council of Nicea]] gave the Church there second place after [[Rome]].

With the [[Great Schism]], Rome was removed from the [[pentarchy]], and Constantinople was elevated into its place as "first among equals" with the Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem patriarchates (not superior over them). But according to its understanding of church tradition, it considers itself to have the sole right to declare another church body [[autocephalous]] (or not). 
*Beatitude Bartholomew I, [[Ecumenical Patriarch]], Patriarch of Constantinople and First Among Equals.
====Church of Constantinople Archdioceses====
In Church of Constantinople [[Archdiocese]]s have [[Diocese | Metropolises]] under them. The [[Archbishop]] reports to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople<ref> https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople</ref>.
*Archdiocese of Constantinople Patriarch is the archbishop
*Archdiocese of America
*Archdiocese of Australia
*Archdiocese of Crete
*Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (includes Ireland)
*Archdiocese of Italy and Malta

==== Church of Constantinople Metropolises====
Direct reporting Metropolises their [[Archbishop]]s reports to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Metropolis of Austria
*Metropolis of Belgium
*Metropolis of Buenos Aires and Argentina
*Metropolis of Canada
*Metropolis of France
*Metropolis of Germany
*Metropolis of Hong Kong
*Metropolis of Karpathos and Kasos
*Metropolis of the Korean Orthodox Church
*Metropolis of Kos
*Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia
*Metropolis of Mexico and Central America
*Metropolis of New Zealand
*Metropolis of Rhodes
*Metropolis of Singapore
*Metropolis of Sweden and all Scandinavia
*Metropolis of Spain and Portugal
*Metropolis of Switzerland
*Metropolis of Syme
</div>
====Ukrainian Church of the USA and Diaspora====
*[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]]

===Church of Alexandria===
The Church of Alexandria is governed by the [[Patriarch |Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria]]. Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism | Roman schism]] of 1054AD, south into territory lost to the [[Great_Schism#Chalcedonian_Schism | Coptic schism]] of 451AD(which resulted in two patriarchs of Alexandria the Orthodox Patriarch and the [[Coptic_Church | Coptic Pope]]), and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of [[Africa]]. [[Alexandria]] is one is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The church, having been established by [[St. Mark]] on the instructions of [[St. Peter]]. 
*Beatitude Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.
====Alexandrian Archdioceses====
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
*Archdiocese of Accra
*Archdiocese of Aksum
*Archdiocese of Antananarivo
*Archdiocese of Botswana
*Archdiocese of Brazzaville
*Archdiocese of Burundi
*Archdiocese of Cameroon
*Archdiocese of the Cape of Good Hope
*Archdiocese of Carthage
*Archdiocese of Guinea
*Archdiocese of Hermopolis
*Archdiocese of Kananga
*Archdiocese of Katanga
*Archdiocese of Leontopolis
*Archdiocese of Memphis
*Archdiocese of Nubia
*Archdiocese of Pelusium
*Archdiocese of Tripoli
*Archdiocese of Zambia
</div>

===Church of Antioch===
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church was also much hindered by schism and Islam. First, they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to [[Nestorian]] heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted, they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Antioch supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). Below is the Antiochian Holy Synod and list of the Autocephalous [[Archdiocese]]s each headed by the Patriarch or a Metropolitan [[Archbishop]] each Archdiocese may lead several [[Diocese]]s.
*Beatitude JOHN X, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Antioch]] and All the East<ref> https://antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/the-members-of-the-holy-synod/36/</ref>
====Middle East Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Elias, Metropolitan of Beirut Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.quartos.org.lb
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Elias, Metropolitan of Tyre Lebanon, Sidon Lebanon and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Silouan, Metropolitan of Byblos Lebanon, Botris (Mount Lebanon) and Dependencies Website: www.ortmtlb.org.lb
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Basilios, Metropolitan of Akkar Lebanon and Dependencies Website: www.akkarorthodox.com
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Antonios (Al Soury), Metropolitan of Zahleh Lebanon, Baalbek and Dependencies Website: www.archzahle.org
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ephrem, Metropolitan of Tripoli Lebanon, Al-Koura, and Dependencies Website: www.archtripoli.org
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ghattas, Metropolitan of Baghdad Iraq, Kuwait, and Dependencies Website: www.gocarch.org
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Efraim Metropolitan of Aleppo Syria, Alexandretta and Dependencies Website: www.alepporthodox.org
*Metropolitan of Bosra Syria, Horan Jordan and Jabal al-Arab Syria Website: www.orthodoxhauran.net
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Nicolas, Metropolitan of Hama Syria and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Gregorios, Metropolitan of Homs Syria and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Athanasisos Metropolitan of Lattakia Syria and Dependencies
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Niphon, Metropolitan of Shahba Syria

====Europe Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Silwan (Oner), Metropolitan of the British Isles and Ireland Website: [https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/ www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ignatius, Metropolitan of France, Western and Southern Europe Email: info@antiochefrance.org Website: [https://www.antiochefrance.org/ www.antiochefrance.org]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Isaac, Metropolitan of Germany and Central Europe Website: [https://rum-orthodox.de/ www.rum-orthodox.de]

====North America Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Saba, [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Metropolitan of New York and All North America]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org/home www.antiochian.org]

====South and Central America Antiochian Archdioceses====
*Eminence Metropolitan Jacques Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and All Argentine Website: [https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/category/buenos-aires-and-all-argentine/68/ www.acoantioquena.com]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Damaskinos, [[Antiochian Archdiocese of Brazil | Metropolitan of Sao Paulo Brazil and All Brazil]] Website: [https://www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/ www.arquidioceseortodoxa.com.br/]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Sergio, Metropolitan of Santiago Chile and All Chile Website: [https://www.chileortodoxo.cl/ www.chileortodoxo.cl]
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Ignatius, Metropolitan of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea Website: [https://www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx/ www.iglesiaortodoxa.org.mx]

==== Australia and East Asia Antiochian Archdiocese====
*Eminence, the Most Reverend Basilios, [[Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines | Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines]] Website: [https://www.antiochian.org.au/ www.antiochian.org.au]

===Church of Jerusalem===
The early history of this church is recounted in the [[Book of Acts]] in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in [[Israel]] and the Muslims in [[Palestine]]. The Church of Jerusalem is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem supports the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. The liturgy is served in [[Hebrew]] and in [[Arabic]]. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of [[St. James]], the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.) 
'''Annual Holy Fire: Miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.''' Blue light emerges from within the empty tomb of Christ, igniting a flame that believers claim behaves unlike ordinary fire—it doesn't burn clothing, hair, or skin during its for a brief period often described as the first 33 minutes<ref>https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/holy-fire-jerusalem-orthodox-resurrection/</ref><ref>https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/what-is-the-miracle-of-holy-fire-in-Jerusalem</ref><ref>https://www.premierchristianity.com/holy-fire-the-biggest-miracle-youve-probably-never-heard-of/244.article</ref>.According to the Russian physicist, “the phenomenon … is entirely inexplicable" <ref>https://eleapublishing.com/el/arthra/sta-agglika/102-the-scientific-measurements-of-russian-physicist-andrey-volkov-on-holy-saturday-2008 </ref>. This occurs during the Orthodox Easter vigil mass on Holy Saturday; Orthodox Easter often occurs at a later date than Western Easter 
*Beatitude Theophilos III, [[Patriarch | Patriarch of Jerusalem]]

===Church of Russia===
{{See also|Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate}}
[[File:Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow July 2011-7a.jpg|thumbnail|350px|Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] ]]
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though [[Viking]] traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of the Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also [[Mongol conquest]] and most recently, severe persecution under the [[Communists]] (though claims have been made that the church often sided with, or at least turned a blind eye to, actions taken by the Communist government). This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy [[martyrs]].

The Russian Orthodox Church has historically clashed with Constantinople over which jurisdiction can declare a church body in a country to be autocephalous (the only matter on which they agree is that a secular government has no power to do so):
*Constantinople takes the position that its Patriarch, as "first among equals", has sole authority to declare a church body as autocephalous.
*Russia takes the position that the Patriarch of any autocephalous church can subsequently declare any church within a country under its geographical jurisdiction to be itself autocephalous.

This disagreement has arisen several times over the years:<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOgnERhs-c</ref>
*In 1832 the Greek Orthodox Church was declared autocephalous by the secular Greek government, a move not recognized by Constantinople. However, in 1850 Constantinople did declare the body to be autocephalous, but as it was BOTH within the geographical territory of Constantinople AND declared such by its Patriarch, the overarching issue was not resolved.
*A similar issue took place when the Bulgarian, Serbian, and Romanian bodies were declared autocephalous, as they were in the same situation as the Greek church before.
*In 1917, the Russian Church declared the Georgian Orthodox Church (at that time under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, which Constantinople did not recognize at the time, but in 1990 it finally did so.
*In 1970, the Russian Church declared the American Orthodox Church (which is under its geographical jurisdiction) to be autocephalous, a decision Constantinople did not recognize and still does not.

The disagreement has come to the forefront over recognition of the Ukrainian Orthodox body, resulting in Constantinople declaring the Russian Church in 2019 to be schismatic.
{{Christianity}}
In 2022, it was reported that attendance at Russian Orthodox Church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20230317141802/https://mercatornet.com/few-russians-go-to-church-many-who-dont-may-still-be-influenced-by-their-patriarchs-tirades/78666/ attendance at Russian Orthodox church services in Russia has dropped to around one percent.]</ref>

Also, according to a 2019 report "Using data from surveys carried out by the Higher School of Economics in Moscow in 2018, the sociologist Yana Roshchina worked out that while almost 81 percent of adult Russians consider themselves Orthodox, this is often a declaration of identity rather than faith. Just 6 percent of the population and 43 percent of believers go to church several times a month. According to Interior Ministry statistics, 4.3 million people across the country attended Easter services in 2019 – around 100,000 fewer than a year before."<ref>[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/05/29/russians-are-not-waiting-for-a-church-boom-a65792 Russians Are Not Waiting for a Church Boom], 2019</ref>

Pew Research reported in 2017: "Relatively few Orthodox or Catholic adults in Central and Eastern Europe say they regularly attend worship services, pray often or consider religion central to their lives. For example, a median of just 10% of Orthodox Christians across the region say they go to church on a weekly basis."<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2017/05/10/religious-belief-and-national-belonging-in-central-and-eastern-europe/ Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe], Pew Research, 2017</ref>

==== Russian Orthodox theology on salvation, faith and works ====

[https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46463.html The Orthodox Teaching on personal salvation] by Deacon Victor E. Klimenko, Ph.D., a graduate of the Pastoral School of the Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

===Church of Georgia===
This is the only one of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.

===Church of Serbia===
This church was devastated by [[communism]], and later restored by the nationalist movement of [[Slobodan Milosevic]].<ref>https://historydraft.com/story/slobodan-milosevic/milosevic-allowed-the-mobilization-of-serb-nationalist-organizations-to-go-unhindered/408/5509</ref> Though many bishops did not embrace the "Orthodoxy is Nationalism" rhetoric, many of the Orthodox laity did.

The spiritual heartland of this Church is [[Kosovo]] where Prince Lazar and the peoples of [[eastern Europe]] attempted to defend their homeland against the invading [[Muslim]] [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1389. Lazar lost, and animosity accrued over the ages as the Serbs continued to keep their Orthodox heritage, but the Albanians adopted the religion of [[Muslim]] [[Turk]]s.

In the 1990s Muslim Albanians waged a [[guerrilla war]] against the newly restored Orthodox Serbs that led to the destruction of many centuries-old monasteries and churches. The Orthodox Church is very concerned with the heartland of the Church being ripped away from Serbia and has urged fighting to prevent this from occurring.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHAM738779 Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo], Reuters, Feb 17, 2008.</ref>

===Church of Romania===
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of [[Russia]], it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, [[Ascesis|ascetic]]s, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.

===Church of Bulgaria===
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient Patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, [[Romania]], and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.

===Church of Cyprus===
Established by St. [[Lazarus (brother of Mary)|Lazarus]] (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this has been a church of martyrs, in the Second Century a hundred thousand Christians were murdered here by Jewish mobs, and in the 1840s the entire Episcopacy and all leading laymen were rounded up and murdered by the Turks. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus and St. Barnabus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying "clay stealing clay" and that he always served something sweet at every meal.

===Church of Greece===

''See also:'' [[Greek Orthodox Church]]

Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th-century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius, who was converted by St. Paul.

===Church of Albania===
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim-majority population. Oddly, the Greek Primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios, is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.

===Church of Poland===
[[Image:Orthodox Church, Druskininkai, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Church in Druskininkai, [[Lithuania]].]]
This Church has existed since the 9th Century, when it was established by [[Saint Cyril]] and [[Saint Methodius]] but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of [[Rome]]. In 1924, this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.

===Church of the Czech and Slovak Lands===
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius established this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died, Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There, due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan State the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921, many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. One of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the [[Nazis]] and the Communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as Autocephalous by the other Autocephalous churches in 1998.

===Church of Moldova===
In March 2011, the Moldovan Orthodox Church resisted efforts from the [[European Union]] attempting to force Moldova to accept [[homosexuality]].<ref>''Alternative report on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Prepared by Moldovan Civil Society Organizations'', March 2011. [https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=lRXv8FfVobK2PBikDN+Dc1C3ccoXAIzlK7tgXzIbsZ6eJbMKr7MdKdEXdzKgJzageUo/y/QH9kjHv+mDxD5oZg==] tbinternet.ohchr.org</ref>

===Orthodox Church in America===
After the Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously. In 1924, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in America was created under the leadership of the Metropolitan of New York.<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives |History & Archives</ref>
See full [[Orthodox Church in America]] History in North America below

== Oriental Orthodox Churches ==

''See:'' [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] Unlike other Orthodox churches, Oriental Orthodox churches are ''NOT'' under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. '''They are separate denominations.'''

The [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] are Eastern Christian churches adhering to [[Miaphysite Christology]], with approximately 50 million members worldwide.
*Some of them were formed in the [[Great_Schism | Chalcedonian Schism]] of 451 AD.

*The [[Indian Orthodox Church| Malankara Orthodox Church]] in India, just separated by distance, so was always run as an Autocephalous church under the Catholicos of the Apostolic throne of St. Thomas.

== History of the Orthodox Church in North America ==
===The Russians===
In 1794 several monks from Russia's northeastern monasteries began working with the native population of Kodiak and Unalaska Islands. Among those monks was St. Herman.

St. Herman was born in the town of Serpukhov in the [[Moscow]] Diocese around 1756. At the age of 16, he entered the monastic life at the Trinity-St. Sergius Hermitage near St. Petersburg. While here he developed a severe throat infection from which he nearly died. After fervent prayer before an icon of the Theotokos, he fell into a deep sleep. During this sleep, He dreamed that he was healed by the Virgin and upon waking, he had completely recovered. A few years later, he moved to the Valaam Monastery on [[Lake Ladoga]]. At this time the Golikov-Shelikov Company - licensed to exploit the resources of Alaska - requested monks to work in a new Alaskan mission. Father Herman was among the eight monks selected. They arrived on Kodiak Island on September 24, 1794, and immediately set out on the task of educating and converting the natives. Eventually, only Fr. Herman survived from this original mission.
[[Image:Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.jpg|thumb|300px|Orthodox Church at one of the entrances to Red Square.]]
The members of the mission felt that it was their duty to protect the Alaskans from harm and exploitation. They defended them against the often cruel treatment of the Russian-American Company which controlled the colony under the leadership of the cruel Alexander Baranov. As a result of their protests, and because they tried to place the natives under imperial protection by administering an oath of allegiance to the Czar to them, Baranov threatened the monks with physical violence and even placed them under house arrest.

Sometime between 1808 and 1818, Fr. Herman went to Spruce Island. He spent the rest of his life on the island, where he cared for orphans, established and ran a school, and continued his missionary work. He lived the ascetic life which has been standard since the time of the Desert Fathers. He built a small chapel and guest house. Food for himself and the orphans was produced from his own experimental garden. He wore the simplest clothing and his cell was practically empty. His life was devoted to prayer and to following the services he could do as a layman who had not been ordained.

His love grew to the point that he could see into the hearts of his spiritual children and help them. The natives regarded him as their intercessor before God. When there was a tidal wave (tsunami) on the Island, Fr. Herman took an Icon of the Theotokos, placed it on the beach and assured the people that the water would not rise beyond the place where the Icon was, and it did not. When there was a great fire on the island, he dug a trench and stayed the flames. Prior to his death he foretold that there would be no priest to bury him and that he would be forgotten for 30 years. He died on December 12, 1837, and was forgotten until 1867 when Bishop Peter of Alaska heard about him and had his life investigated. This investigation was followed by publications of his life in 1894, 1900, and 1952. In 1952 an Akathist Hymn was composed, and on March 11, 1969, the Great Council of Bishops solemnly proclaimed the Act of the Universal Church Canonization of the Staretz Herman to Sainthood in the Orthodox Church in America: "Taking into consideration the long and undisputed witness of the grace of God, appearing through the servant of God, the Staretz Herman of Alaska." The Canonization was performed on August 7–9, 1970.

In 1822, the Holy Synod of Russia decided it was time to send a priest to perfect the work of the monks. A priest named Ionn volunteered to be that priest. In 1823, the 26 year old Fr. Ionn and his family set off for Unalaska Island. He built a church with his own hands, learned the language of the local people, the Aleuts, composed an alphabet for their previously unwritten language, and translated the Gospel of Matthew into Aleutian. He also translated a catechism and some liturgical books for the Aleuts, and wrote the first book ever written in the Aleutian language, a brief course in dogmatics entitled, “A Guideline to the Kingdom of God". Considered one of the best catechetical courses and educational aids for children and youth, this course has been reprinted in several languages many times since.

Fr. Ionn established a school with an enrollment of 600 children, built a hospital, and fought hard against the practice of polygamy that treated women as property. After ten years on the island, Father Ioann had baptized all of the people in the archipelago. He made a trip in 1829 to Nushegak on the American continent and preached the Word of God to people who lived on the [[Bering Sea]] coast and baptized those who came to believe.

In 1839, Fr. Ionn returned to Russia to convince the Holy Synod of the need for establishing a permanent mission in North America. While he was on this trip back home, he received the news of the death of his wife. After a pilgrimage to St. Sergius Monastery of the Holy Trinity and to the shrines in Kiev, Archpriest Ioann, on the advice of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, took monastic vows on November 29. He took the name of Innocent, after Bishop Innocent of Irkutsk, and was elevated to the rank of archimandrite on the following day. In 1840, the Holy Synod in Moscow created a new diocese in North America and consecrated the Archimandrite Innocent as its new Bishop. In 1855, St. Innocent was elevated to Metropolitan of Moscow. While serving in that capacity, he established the Orthodox Missionary Society to help fund mission work. He was concerned for arranging the work of theological schools in his diocese, opened a school for icon-painting and other arts for poor children and orphans, transformed Philaret's college into a school for daughters of the clergy who did not receive any pensions or allowances, founded the large Ostrovsky alms-house, and wrote educational aids for the clergy of the staff list, as well as their widows and orphans.

At the same time, the great enlightener continued his concern for the Russian Orthodox Church in North America. It was on his initiative that the Holy Governing Synod chose San Francisco as the bishop's See. Metropolitan Innocent also emphasized the need for the clergy to know English and for the Church to train priests from among local Americans as a necessary condition for strengthening Orthodoxy in the American continent.

Feeling his death approaching, Metropolitan Innocent of Moscow and Kolomna asked on the Great Tuesday, 27 March 1879, that the Sacrament of Holy Unction be administered to him. On the Great Thursday, 29 March, he Communed. On Great and Holy Saturday, March 31, the Metropolitan, Equal to the Apostles, fell asleep in the Lord.

The Orthodox Church's next great burst of growth in America occurred during the ministry of St. Tikhon of Moscow, the Enlightener of North America.

St. Tikhon was a missionary bishop to North America. During his short ministry in North America he became a U.S. Citizen, and the Church grew from 15 parishes to 70 parishes. He was called back to Moscow in 1907. He was elected Metropolitan on August 15, 1917. On November 5 of the same year he was selected, by drawing lots, to be the Patriarch of Moscow and all the Rus’. The Communists accused him of sabotage and imprisoned him from April 1922 through June 1923. He fell ill and was hospitalized in 1924, and fell asleep in the Lord on March 25, 1925, just two days after serving his last Divine Liturgy.

One of St. Tikhon's most important decisions during his time in North America had to do with how to minister to Orthodox Christians from the Middle East who were arriving on the East Coast. He realized that these newest members of his flock needed someone who could speak their language and who was familiar with their distinct customs so he asked the Patriarch of Antioch to send him an Arabic-speaking priest.

The priest who arrived was Fr. Raphael Hawaweeny. In 1904, he was consecrated a Bishop by St. Tikhon and St. Innocent and from then until his death in 1915, he was known as Bishop Raphael of Brooklyn. During the course of his ministry, he established 29 parishes and assisted in the establishment of a monastery in [[Pennsylvania]]. He was recognized, even while living, as a saint but was not officially glorified by the Church until March 2000.

===The Russian Revolution===
With the rise of [[atheism|atheistic]] [[Communism]] in Russia and the corresponding infiltration of the KGB into the Orthodox Church in Russia, many Orthodox Christians in North America began clamoring for bishops they could trust. Additionally, the Russian Church split into two factions: The Metropolia (today known as the Orthodox Church in America or OCA) and the Patriarchal parishes. Essentially, the Patriarchate of Moscow sued the church in America for control of properties and actually won some of the cases. The parishes in those cases went under the direct jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Moscow. A third group of Russian bishops arrived in the United States following the Russian Revolution. They called themselves the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. For a while, they merged with the Metropolia but they did not think of themselves as Americans or as missionaries to America. They were intent on keeping Russian culture alive among the exiles and returning to Russia someday. They eventually split off from the Metropolia.

Amidst this confusion, there was a desire for bishops from the “old country”; that is, Serbs wanted a Serb bishop, Albanians wanted an Albanian bishop, etc. And the Archbishops and Patriarchs from the “old countries” were happy to send them. Thus, right after the Russian Revolution, what had been an administratively unified Church in the U.S. became administratively fragmented.

Around 1998, former KGB agent Konstantin Preobrazhensky investigated some recent deaths among the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, including Archpriest Lev Lebedev of Kursk in April 1998, and suspected that then-FSB head [[Vladimir Putin]] had been involved in the assassination.<ref>https://westernfreepress.com/2017/12/21/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref><ref>https://www.trevorloudon.com/2017/12/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/</ref>

== The Present Situation in North America ==
[[Image:Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City Tennessee.jpg|thumb|300px|Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City, Tennessee.]]
Orthodox Churches in America today. The Orthodox Church continues to grow in North America. Most of its bishops were born in America, many having converted (either from religions outside Christianity or other Christian churches) as adults. The Orthodox church has experienced a couple of waves of mass conversions, such as when several thousand Byzantine-rite Catholics converted in the early 20th Century.
 
The Orthodox in America have established one undergraduate college, Holy Cross in Boston as well as several seminaries (including Anchorage, [[New York]], [[Boston]], and Pennsylvania), one practical ministerial institute (Penn.), and a graduate school for lay theologians (Berkeley). Some of their parishes have Saturday schools where Greek, Russian, and other languages as well as theology and culture are taught to children. A few parishes have established High Schools and elementary schools.
 
Several monasteries have been established for men and women, and two (one in New York and one in Miami) have converted from other churches and have become Orthodox monasteries.

===Orthodox Church in America===
OCA was started in 1921. After the Russian Communist Revolution, then Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow directed all Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia to govern themselves autonomously<ref>https://www.oca.org/history-archives</ref>. After decades of a very cold relationship, in 1970 the Metropolia was granted [[autocephalous|autocephaly]] (think of it as administrative independence) by the current Patriarch of Moscow and became known as the [[Orthodox Church in America]] (OCA). When that happened, numbers of the Romanian, Bulgarian, and Albanian Churches in the USA and Canada merged with the OCA. However, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (who claims he alone has the right to grant autocephaly to a church) has never recognized the autocephaly of the [[Orthodox Church in America]]. '''OCA continues to add members via conversions from other Christian churches or from non-Christians.''' The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) primarily uses English for its services, although it also incorporates other languages<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orthodox-Church-in-America</ref>. The [[Primate (church) | Primate]] and Chancery offices of the [[Orthodox Church in America]] are located in the canonical territory of the Archdiocese of Washington DC<ref>https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/bishops/the-most-blessed-tikhon</ref>. See Also '''[https://www.oca.org/ OCA]'''

===Antiochian Orthodox Church===
[[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch]]. They trace their roots to first-century Antioch, the city in which the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ([https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011%3A26&version=NIV Acts 11:26]). The Church of Antioch is one of the five ancient Patriarchates of the Christian Church, along with Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome. The Archdiocese is autonomous, the Synod of Antioch still picks its bishop, from a list of three candidates nominated by [[Antiochian Archdiocese of North America | North American archdiocese]]. The archbishop resides in Englewood NJ<ref>https://www.antiochian.org/home</ref>It uses native languages for its services.<ref>https://stmichaeltx.org/orthodox-101/worship-services/what-language-are-the-services-in/</ref> See Also '''[https://www.antiochian.org/home Antiochian]'''

===Greek Orthodox Church===
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was the eparchy incorporated in 1921 under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople. In 1996, the archdiocese was split by the Ecumenical Patriarchate into four parts, those of [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | America]], [[ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada | Canada]], [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises | Central America]], and [[Orthodox_Church#Church_of_Constantinople_Metropolises |South America]]<ref>https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-history-of-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-1922-2022/</ref>. See Church of Constantinople above.

===Russian Orthodox Church===
The [[Russian Orthodox Church]] in America are under the authority of the Patriarch of Russia and Moscow. The Patriarchal Parishes in the USA is a canonical branch of Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) combining parishes and monasteries in the United States and Mexico. The Patriarchal Parishes were all that was left in 1970, with the granting of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in America<ref>https://www.mospatusa.com/history.html</ref> <ref>https://www.oca.org/questions/namerica/russian-orthodox-church-in-america</ref>.
===Ukrainian Orthodox Church===
[[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA]] leader is a Metropolitan bishop in New Jersey.<ref>https://uocofusa.org/</ref>. In 1921 the Church was formed by Priests who left the Roman Catholic [[Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church | Byzantine Rite Ukrainian Church]]. One of them was Joseph Zuk who was later consecrated a bishop and in 1936 they accepted the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
*[[Pentarchy]]
*[[Demetrius, Patriarch of Alexandria]]
*[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]
*[[Eastern Catholic Churches]]
*[[Petrine Primacy]]
*[[Russian painting]]
*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]
*[[Christian marriage]]
*[[Afterlife]]
*[[Exorcism]]
*[[Infant baptism]]
*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]
*[[American_Christianity]]
*[[Christianity by continent]]
</div>

==References==

<References/>

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N636PYURaFg Growth of the Orthodox Church in America], Masaman, October 19, 2024. [[YouTube]].
*[https://rumble.com/v23bagm-an-orthodox-priest-is-giving-incredibly-deep-spiritual-guidance-to-russian-.html An Orthodox priest is giving incredibly deep spiritual guidance to Russian soldiers]

[[Category:Churches]]
[[Category:Christian Denominations]]
[[Category:Ukraine]]
[[Category:Russian History]]
[[Category:Orthodox Church]]
[[Category:Byzantine Rite]]
[[Category:Byzantine]]